Land concern over eco-town

7:00am Thursday 25th October 2012 in News By Sam McGregor, covering Bicester. Call me on 01869 250197

Colin Cockshaw Colin Cockshaw

NOT all the land for Bicester’s multi-billion pound eco town has been secured, it has emerged.

P3Eco and A2 Dominion have yet to agree terms with at least one landowner according to a report, despite the site getting Government backing in 2009.

The Cherwell District Council report reviewing the scheme’s progress also lists a string of vital elements of the 5,000-home eco-town on farmland at North West Bicester that is yet to be worked out, such as energy provision, utilities infrastructure and the potential that soon the technology will be the norm in all developments.

It looks at the development’s financial viability, and raises concerns whether infrastructure across Bicester would be funded.

It is not clear which of the main land owners is still holding out, but Catharine Murfitt and her mother Rosemary Henson, of Himley Farm, who jointly own 210 acres of the site, said they had been persuaded to sell their land based on the development’s Green credentials.

The first phase – 393 homes, a pub, shops, a nursery and eco-business centre – is expected to start next month, on land sold by the Phipps family.

Dairy farmers the Malins own the largest part of the site, 400 acres, but were unavailable for comment.

The report added: “Failure to achieve complete site assembly could impact on phasing and the comprehensive delivery of development and supporting infrastructure.”

Colin Cockshaw, of anti-eco group Bicester Against Eco Con (BaECON), said: “We have said all along that this development would take many years longer than the council originally thought.

“This will have other consequences, including the likelihood that what then emerges in 30 years’ time will be little different from the norm at that time.”

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Cherwell District Council said the risk report was produced to highlight potential problems so solutions can be identified ahead of them arising.

Lead member for planning Michael Gibbard said the eco- town was “full steam ahead”.

He said: “Local councillors are more than satisfied with the progress. Work starts on site in the next few weeks for the first 400 houses and the planning for the other 4,600 homes is on schedule.”

Comments (7)

10:24am Thu 25 Oct 12

to ny w says...

The people of Bicester should carefully take note.This risk register is more detailed than what is reported here. Cherwell are at last reflecting the concerns that BaECON have been saying for months.
1. Land is not fully secured.
2. Sales may stall, that would lead to
3. Risk that school, infrastructure, bio mass power generator etc etc may never be built.
4. Site could be left isolated and unfinished.

In conclusion a potential WHITE ELEPHANT that could cost Cherwell £9 m of public funds!!

For the complete picture please go to
www.baecon.blogspot.

co.uk
The people of Bicester should carefully take note.This risk register is more detailed than what is reported here. Cherwell are at last reflecting the concerns that BaECON have been saying for months. 1. Land is not fully secured. 2. Sales may stall, that would lead to 3. Risk that school, infrastructure, bio mass power generator etc etc may never be built. 4. Site could be left isolated and unfinished. In conclusion a potential WHITE ELEPHANT that could cost Cherwell £9 m of public funds!! For the complete picture please go to www.baecon.blogspot. co.uk to ny w

11:35am Thu 25 Oct 12

Severian says...

Cherwell District Council has just published its draft local plan. They reckon that over the next 20 years fewer than 2,000 of the proposed 5,000 houses will be built, and that assumes a ready market for these types of house (which is by no means certain).

I would suggest that these land owners don't hold their breath waiting for the money from the developers, because some or most of it won't be coming their way for at least 20 to 30 years! If at all.
Cherwell District Council has just published its draft local plan. They reckon that over the next 20 years fewer than 2,000 of the proposed 5,000 houses will be built, and that assumes a ready market for these types of house (which is by no means certain). I would suggest that these land owners don't hold their breath waiting for the money from the developers, because some or most of it won't be coming their way for at least 20 to 30 years! If at all. Severian

1:40pm Thu 25 Oct 12

to ny w says...

Severian wrote:
Cherwell District Council has just published its draft local plan. They reckon that over the next 20 years fewer than 2,000 of the proposed 5,000 houses will be built, and that assumes a ready market for these types of house (which is by no means certain).

I would suggest that these land owners don't hold their breath waiting for the money from the developers, because some or most of it won't be coming their way for at least 20 to 30 years! If at all.
A relevant point is that if land owners are expecting a golden bonanza, they will be in for a nasty shock. To make this scheme work due land will have to be heavily discounted below normal development values due to the high cost of building code 6 sustainability, even in 20 years time!!!
[quote][p][bold]Severian[/bold] wrote: Cherwell District Council has just published its draft local plan. They reckon that over the next 20 years fewer than 2,000 of the proposed 5,000 houses will be built, and that assumes a ready market for these types of house (which is by no means certain). I would suggest that these land owners don't hold their breath waiting for the money from the developers, because some or most of it won't be coming their way for at least 20 to 30 years! If at all.[/p][/quote]A relevant point is that if land owners are expecting a golden bonanza, they will be in for a nasty shock. To make this scheme work due land will have to be heavily discounted below normal development values due to the high cost of building code 6 sustainability, even in 20 years time!!! to ny w

8:57pm Fri 26 Oct 12

steve1955 says...

From ECOCON TO ECOJOKE Will the councillors supporting this please tell us the TRUTH
From ECOCON TO ECOJOKE Will the councillors supporting this please tell us the TRUTH steve1955

4:38pm Sat 27 Oct 12

rebelyell says...

An Englishman's home is his castle. Where are the rights of the local landowners who do not want to sell THEIR land to make way for this Carbuncle. It will all end in tears for CDC and their cronies and guess what it will be us the Tax Payer as per usual picking up the tab. There is nothing GREEN about this development.
An Englishman's home is his castle. Where are the rights of the local landowners who do not want to sell THEIR land to make way for this Carbuncle. It will all end in tears for CDC and their cronies and guess what it will be us the Tax Payer as per usual picking up the tab. There is nothing GREEN about this development. rebelyell

10:41am Sun 28 Oct 12

to ny w says...

steve1955 wrote:
From ECOCON TO ECOJOKE Will the councillors supporting this please tell us the TRUTH
This is an open invitation to our Cherwell District councillors to an public open debate. You have been challenged before Mr Mawer and you didn'' t reply. I don't suppose you will now!
[quote][p][bold]steve1955[/bold] wrote: From ECOCON TO ECOJOKE Will the councillors supporting this please tell us the TRUTH[/p][/quote]This is an open invitation to our Cherwell District councillors to an public open debate. You have been challenged before Mr Mawer and you didn'' t reply. I don't suppose you will now! to ny w

10:52am Sun 28 Oct 12

steve1955 says...

Mr mayer probably doesnt know the truth its all in secret no doubt but as he is paid by the council taxpayer in all decency he should give answers im in no way defending him but in past posts on this paoers website he has gone out of he was to tell us how good it all is?
Mr mayer probably doesnt know the truth its all in secret no doubt but as he is paid by the council taxpayer in all decency he should give answers im in no way defending him but in past posts on this paoers website he has gone out of he was to tell us how good it all is? steve1955

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