A developer in partnership with Oxford City Council has applied to build nearly 300 homes in the heart of Blackbird Leys.

The planning application made by Catalyst contains plans for 294 new rented and shared ownership homes across two sites, the district centre and Knights Road.

It also includes proposals for a new community centre, open green spaces, a community square and improved road infrastructure.

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Joe Marshall is regional managing director for North Counties at Peabody, the company which Catalyst is part of.  

He said: “The redevelopment of Blackbird Leys will see hundreds of much-needed new affordable homes, improved biodiversity in the area and the creation of a new community hub for local people.

“We want to deliver long-term sustainable and inclusive growth for Oxford and look forward to working with the local community as the plans progress”.

 

210 of the proposed new houses will be in the district centre, 83% of which will be for rent and 17% shared ownership.

84 homes will be built on Knights Road and those properties will be 100 per cent shared ownership.

The submission comes following consultations with the existing Blackbird Leys community since April 2019.

These have included workshops and one-to-one conversations with local people to determine how the development will take shape.

Councillor Linda Smith, Oxford City Council cabinet member for housing, said: “A lot of work remains to be done before construction can begin but this is a positive step forward in realising our longstanding ambition to revitalise Blackbird Leys.

“Oxford needs affordable homes and the planning application envisages nearly 300 homes for rent and shared ownership, together with new and improved shops and community facilities.”

The developer say they will create a sustainable and eco-friendly neighbourhood that will focus on protecting wildlife and boosting healthy lifestyles for residents.

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The central green space is said to include a nature trail and a natural informal play area for children.

Catalyst and Oxford City Council aim to start work on the first phase of the development later this year.

Consultation on future phases of the development is likely to take place in 2024.

Although the planning application has been submitted, there a number of financial challenges yet to be resolved.

The developer say that they are working through these problems and will continue to do so as the planning application is being considered.

The planning application is currently being validated by the council and is due to be available on Oxford City Council’s public planning portal within the coming weeks.