The reserved matters application (RMA) at Oxford North’s Canalside for the project’s residential development partner, The Hill Group, to deliver the first 317 new homes has been resolved to be approved by the planning committee at Oxford City Council, at a meeting held on Thursday 22 September 2022.
With outline planning permission for Oxford North’s overall masterplan for 480 new homes across the project granted in March 2021, Hill applied for the detailed design of the first 317 homes on Canalside, south of the A40.
There will be a mix of private and affordable new homes, from one-bedroom apartments to five-bedroom family homes.
The energy-efficient homes will feature a range of low-carbon living initiatives, including air source heat pumps and photovoltaic panels. Other measures will include initiatives to reduce water consumption, electric car charging points, and extensive cycle storage.
The new homes will be designed around a central landscaped park complete with play areas, meadow grassland, an activity lawn and a network of pedestrian and cycle paths to facilitate the health and wellbeing of the community.
Extensive planting, green and brown roofs, and orchard planting, including over 200 new trees, will significantly enhance the biodiversity of the overall development.
Construction of the new homes is due to start this winter and will provide a welcome boost to the local economy as part of Oxford North’s training, employment and skills strategy, which is a commitment to recruiting local labour.
Offering training opportunities to people in both traditional and green construction skills, Hill will also maximise local procurement opportunities.
Since August 2021, Hill has been on-site since delivering Oxford North’s enabling infrastructure works and has created more than 250 jobs, including four apprenticeships.
Andy Hill, Chief Executive at The Hill Group, commented: “We are delighted to achieve planning for Canalside and look forward to working with Thomas White Oxford to deliver these much-needed high-quality, sustainable homes at Oxford North.
“This landmark project will also generate significant employment opportunities, and we welcome applicants, particularly from the local area, who will benefit from our comprehensive training and development programmes.”
William Donger, Chief Executive Officer of Thomas White Oxford, said: “We welcome the planning committee’s decision to approve these much-needed new and affordable homes so that The Hill Group can start on-site.
“This is another major step in delivering Oxford North as a new innovation district designed for living, working and visiting, and we look forward to seeing these new homes being built and jobs created.”
Acting on behalf of The Hill Group were: Pollard Thomas Edwards, Menhardt, Vectors, Savills, LDA Design and Max Fordham.
