Graven Hill's stage two plans to be reviewed by think tank

Graven Hill Residents’ Association (GHRA) has turned to Create Streets, a design practice and think tank, to enhance proposed plans for stage two of Graven Hill, in Bicester.

This decision follows a survey and feedback period on the proposed designs.

The review's purpose is to ensure the remaining two-thirds of Graven Hill meets the high expectations set by the successes achieved so far.

Graven Hill (Image: Unknown)

The vision is to utilise the site's location near Bicester Village to create aesthetically pleasing spaces with integrated landscapes and doorstep play areas.

Create Streets has set out practical, cost-neutral suggestions on how the developer’s initial plans can be amended to address key concerns and improve quality of life for residents.

The focus is on maintaining the original vision and quality while ensuring the new proposals do not diverge from the original vision of Graven Hill.

Create Streets recently partnered with Angela Rayner and the Labour Party to come up with proposals to replace identikit homes with “only exemplary design with real character”.

Its senior urban designer, George Payiatis, said: "There is great potential to ensure Graven Hill makes the most of its location close to Bicester Village by creating beautiful, gentle density streets with attractive landscape woven in and opportunities for play on the doorstep.

"Our fear is that the current proposals for stage two of Graven Hill are a departure from the initial vision and will create a place that is not easily distinguished from other developments around the country.

“Create Streets are dedicated to creating beautiful, sustainable new places and hope that these comments are constructive and help ensure that stage two of Graven Hill is a place of which to be proud.

"Until spades are in the ground, it is still possible to amend proposals."

Stephen Aggett, chair of GHRA, added: "Residents love Graven Hill - the community spirit, green space, and eclectic mix of housing make it unique.

"Our collaboration with Create Streets demonstrates how, with a little imagination, a development can meet the needs of the community as well as the council's financial objectives."

GHRA conducted a "comprehensive" survey of residents and gathered extensive feedback on the plans for stage two, said Clare Lowe, vice chair of GHRA.

She added: "The brief to Create Streets was based entirely on the key findings that emerged.

"Create Streets has done a superb job of providing changes to the developer’s initial plans, which we believe address many of the issues identified."