Developers have revealed their "surprise” over people living in Bicester turning to a think tank to scrutinise the second stage of the UK's largest self-build development.

Graven Hill Residents’ Association (GHRA) enlisted the help of Create Streets, a design practice and think tank, to review the plans to ensure the remaining two-thirds of Graven Hill meets expectations.

Create Streets set out suggestions on how the developer’s initial plans can be amended to address key concerns.

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Graven Hill Village Development Company (GHVDC) has provided a detailed response to the review as it continue its own public consultation into the plans near Bicester Village. 

A spokesperson said: “GHVDC has already sought the views of Create Streets on the Graven Hill development in March 2022.

“The document produced was also shared with our consultants, including the team producing the updated Design Code, a document which is being consulted upon with the experts on the Design Review Panel.

“GHVDC has also held a full public consultation of its proposed updated masterplan between February and March 2024 to understand and consider the communities’ views on the proposals.

“As promised, we will be holding a further feedback event featuring an updated masterplan, which is still a work in progress.

“We were therefore somewhat surprised that the Residents’ Association chose to commission Create Streets to undertake another review, whilst our consultation and feedback process was live.

“Due to this rather premature and repetitive action, Create Streets has considered only a partially developed proposal.

“Regardless, we have reviewed the report by Create Streets in detail and have provided a detailed response to each point raised.”

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About the author

Rob is a digital reporter who covers a wide range of topics.

He joined the Oxford Mail in February 2023 having previously been at sister paper The Bucks Free Press for two years. 

Rob completed a Sports Journalism degree before earning his NCTJ Diploma at Darlington College and can be found on X at @RobertFolker.