Oxford City Council has started a public consultation on plans to redevelop a disused hostel and sports field in Littlemore by building 61 new homes.
The council intends to build 51 flats at the Northfield Hostel site off Sandy Lane and ten houses on the adjacent sports field. Northfield Hostel closed as residential accommodation for a special school in 2014.
All 51 flats will be let at social rent or will be another affordable tenure like shared ownership. The ten houses will be for market sale.
The development is aiming for carbon emissions 70% below current building regulations by using high-level airtight insulation and solar panels to generate clean energy. Active travel will be encouraged by providing better cycle routes to nearby areas.
Take part
Consultation questionnaire packs have been posted directly to homes and businesses close to the Northfield Hostel site.
People who want to take part can also find information and complete the consultation questionnaire.
The project team is holding a Zoom Q&A session on Wednesday 12 August between 6.00pm and 7:30pm.
People who are interested in attending this session need to register in advance. You can do this through the consultation website, by calling 0344 225 0003 or by emailing northfield.hostel@glhearn.com.
The consultation runs until Friday, 20 August 2021.
Next steps
The council expects to submit a planning application this autumn. If planning permission is granted, construction could begin on the site in spring 2022.
Councillor Alex Hollingsworth, cabinet member for planning and housing delivery, said: “Oxford needs homes, and Northfield Hostel will allow us to build 61 new homes, including 51 homes let at social rent or in other affordable tenures.
“We’re investing in the future of our city by building homes that are cutting edge and sustainable as well as affordable, and this development is part of that future.”
