PLANS for more than 300 new homes in North Oxford have been approved.
Developer Hill Residential Limited will build 317 homes on a 3.58-hectare plot of land to the south of the A40 and north of Port Meadow.
Oxford City Council, the planning authority, unanimously approved the plans, which include details of the design and layout for the development, on Thursday (September 22).
The plans are part of the wider North Oxford development which seeks to make the area the city’s new “innovation district” with homes, offices and laboratories.
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The developers said Canalside will provide buildings ranging between two and five stories in height and car parking, cycle parking, open space and landscaping – 35 per cent of homes on the site will also be “affordable”.
A report presented to councillors said: “The public benefits of the development proposed within this application are considered substantia,l in particular the delivery of 317 homes, a significant proportion of which would be affordable.
“The originally submitted plans have been the subject of amendments, the key change being the omission of a three bedroom house in the south east corner of the site, with an additional one bedroom flat being provided in its place.
“This included a change to the overall mix of dwelling sizes, though no change to the affordable housing mix.
“Changes were also proposed to the site landscaping and planting proposals and the enlargement of garden spaces serving a number of units.”
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A design and access statement prepared by architects Pollard Thomas Edwards said: “The design development shows an early concept of woodland and orchard meadow character reflecting the scale and massing of the apartments and houses, and inspired by a linear landscape to create a strong singular identity.
“Canalside will be a sustainable urban extension for Oxford. Proposals will minimise environmental impact in construction and ongoing use in terms of energy, water management, ecology and waste.
“The design of both apartment and house typologies are set to create a characterful neighbourhood, comprising articulated and playful elevations, varied roofscapes and carefully considered detailing such that streets feel lively, active and safe for all residents and visitors to enjoy.”
Meanwhile, residents of Lower Wolvercote who opposed the plans said the development will create an increase in traffic, generated by Oxford North commuters driving to the site, and asked the developers to fund a sound barrier from the Peartree Roundabout for 2 miles on the elevated section to southwest of Thames bridge.
Fiona Gell, who lives in Rosamund Road in Lower Wolvercote, said: “If you live in a village on the edge of a city, you hope for a measure of peace and quiet, but we never get that in parts of Wolvercote with the constant low level roar of the traffic in the background."
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This story was written by Anna Colivicchi, she joined the team this year and covers health stories for the Oxfordshire papers.
Get in touch with her by emailing: Anna.colivicchi@newsquest.co.uk
Follow her on Twitter @AnnaColivicchi
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