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22 May 2006
Countryside Properties has submitted an outline planning application to Cherwell District Council for the development of a new community in South West Bicester. The application for the £423 million scheme is the first major mixed-use development to be undertaken by Countryside Properties in Oxfordshire.
The proposals for the 287 acre site includes up to 1,585 new homes and a range of community facilities including neighbourhood shops, a community centre, a pub/restaurant and a day nursery.
A 'health village' with the provision for a GP surgery, medical centre, community hospital and nursing home has also been included within the application. Education
facilities will be strengthened for the town with the provision of a new primary school and land set aside for a second smaller primary school and a new secondary school.
Countryside Properties' Director and Group Chief Town Planner, John Oldham said: "We have worked hard to create an integrated town extension which provides much needed new facilities for the existing community alongside amenities for new residents. The scheme offers an excellent balance between open space and the built environment and we are keen to create our first community in the county."
In addition to the community facilities a new hotel is proposed together with approximately 230,000 sq ft of employment space suitable for local and regional employers. The proposed development will provide a significant and wide variety of jobs including opportunities in education, health, retail, commercial and leisure.
30% of the new homes will be affordable properties available through Countryside Properties' housing partners, Bromford Housing Group and Paradigm Housing Group.
Over 65 acres of the new development will be dedicated to public open space including the provision of children's play areas, sports pitches and a sports pavilion.
Countryside has also designed a perimeter road around the development that sensitively fits with the landscape. The new road will help to remove non-local traffic from the town centre.
In advance of the submission, Countryside Properties undertook extensive public consultation with both regional stakeholders and the neighbouring community, which shaped the masterplan and design.
ENDS
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Information correct as at 22/05/2006