A DISUSED hostel and sports field could be redeveloped into 61 new homes with affordable housing.

Oxford City Council has opened a public consultation on plans for 61 new homes in Littlemore.

The council’s housing company Oxford City Housing Ltd (OCHL) intends to build 51 flats at the Northfield Hostel site off Sandy Lane and 10 houses on the adjacent sports field.

Flats will be built on the disused land of Northfield Hostel which closed as residential accommodation for a special school in 2014.

All 51 flats will be 'affordable' and let at social rent or another affordable tenure such as shared ownership and the 10 houses will be for market sale.

Shared ownership is intended for first-time buyers to take their ‘first steps to home ownership’ in Oxford, which is the least affordable place outside London, with the average house price being 17 times the average salary in the city.

The development is aiming for carbon emissions 70 per cent below current building regulations by using high level airtight insulation and solar panels to generate clean energy.

Car alternatives will also be encouraged on the new development with an aim of providing better cycle routes to nearby areas.

Councillor Alex Hollingsworth, cabinet member for planning and housing delivery, said: “Oxford needs homes and Northfield Hostel will allow OCHL to build 61 new homes, including 51 homes at social rent and 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.

“If you want to see us building the homes that Oxford needs, please have your say and take part in our consultation.”

Oxford City Housing Ltd expects to submit a planning application this autumn and if planning permission is granted, construction could begin on the site in spring 2022.

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 at consultation.oxford.gov.uk/

The project team is holding a Zoom Q&A session on Wednesday August 12 between 6pm and 7:30pm. People who are interested in attending this session need to register in advance. This can be done through the consultation homepage and by calling 0344 225 0003 or emailing northfield.hostel@glhearn.com

The consultation runs until Friday August 20.

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