A councillor who is trying to prevent an old magistrates’ court from being converted into flats has been contacted by a company interested in purchasing the site.

District councillor for Bicester West Les Sibley said he has been contacted by a “local business person” to say they were interested in purchasing the freehold of Bicester Magistrates’ Court, and ensuring the building is used for community use.

Mr Sibley said he was contacted after a previous article about the court in the Bicester Advertiser.

READ MORE: Wilko store to be reopened as Poundland this weekend

He said: “I understand the interest from this Bicester-based business is very strong, and it has the know-how, and the means, to create a community hub in this space, whether that be a GP surgery, church or new council offices.

“I was taken aback to be honest that somebody expressed interest in buying the freehold.”

GG Oxford Investments Ltd, the developers who have submitted a planning application to demolish the court - also known as Waverley House – and replace it with 33 apartments, believe the site is optimal given its proximity to services and facilities.

A spokesperson for RCA Regeneration Ltd, acting on behalf of the developer, said: “GG Oxford Investments Ltd are strongly of the opinion that redevelopment for housing represents the most efficient and sustainable use of this brownfield urban site, given its proximity to shops, services and facilities.

“GG Oxford Investments Ltd will consider any serious and sensible offers for their sites, but no approach has been made by any party to date.”

Mr Sibley said the business interested in buying the site to protect it and shape it for community use, is potentially open to considering a joint venture with the council.

The councillor suggested that, if the site were to be purchased from GG Oxford Investments Ltd, then the developer could instead build their apartments at Bicester’s North West ecotown.

He said: “They would be received with open arms at the ecotown, they can take that plan and start a fresh.

“It would be much cheaper, it’s the perfect site. There is an alternative for this development.”

The spokesperson acting on behalf of the developer said in response: “There is a significant need for new housing in Bicester and across the entire district which cannot be satisfied by a single ‘ecotown’.

“The former Magistrates’ Court has been vacant for many years and has been accepted by the council and planning inspectorate as a suitable and sustainable location for new residential development.

“The Government’s continued priority to redevelop brownfield land has been confirmed repeatedly, with £60m being allocated by DLUHC only yesterday (Monday, October 9) to help local authorities bring about new housing on sites such as this one.”

 

Read more from this author

This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1