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21 July 2008
Countryside Properties is to develop a new village-style neighbourhood, to be called Kingsmere, in south west Bicester. The green light came with the approval of planning permission for the scheme by Cherwell District Council. The 287 acre development will include the provision of 1,585 new homes, together with a new village centre (providing retail outlets and community facilities), schools, offices, employment premises and generous recreational and public open spaces. The vision is to deliver a better quality of life in Bicester.
The planning approval was the culmination of several years of negotiation and planning between Countryside Properties, Cherwell District Council and Oxfordshire County Council. A resolution to grant outline planning permission was passed in 2007 and the approval has now been made possible with the conclusion of a full ‘Section 106’ (S106) Agreement under which Countryside will contribute facilities and funding to provide a package of supporting infrastructure for the housing development that will benefit the wider community.
Director of Planning at Countryside Properties, John Oldham, said: “It is vital that the necessary infrastructure is in place for people moving to the area. The scheme will greatly enhance services, such as children's education, and provide facilities for the town including affordable housing and much needed sports areas.”
The agreement ensures a contribution by Countryside Properties of over £14 million for major improvements to local infrastructure and services in and around Bicester including public transport, education, library services and highway improvements.
The S106 agreement also includes the provision of 30% of the housing as affordable homes, the provision of land for a sports village (comprising 17 hectares), the provision of a primary school and land and contribution for secondary education, a new south west peripheral road from A41 to Howes Lane to ease congestion, improvements to public transport, the opportunity for new health facilities, the provision of sustainable drainage and new areas of open space.
John Oldham continues: “Countryside Properties is delighted to see Kingsmere getting underway. This area is a well-planned location for the expansion of Bicester in an organic way and our masterplan achieves this by recognising the evolving nature of the town and its expansion. We are very pleased to be working with Cherwell District Council to achieve its objectives for Bicester and look forward to creating a vibrant new neighbourhood.”
ENDS
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Information correct as at 21/07/2008