Development bid for 25,000 homes

From the archive, first published Friday 9th Jul 2004.

The creation of a development zone in central Oxfordshire the size of two Abingdons has won the backing of Oxford City Council.

In a report to the South East England Regional Assembly in Guildford, the city says that Oxford should become a Strategic Development Area, which would bring 25,000 new homes to the outskirts of the city.

It goes on to say that a "strategic corridor stretching from the city south towards Abingdon, Didcot and Harwell," could be a solution to the South East's building land shortage.

Central Oxfordshire is on a shortlist of nine areas in the South East being considered for SDA status by the assembly. Regions identified as SDAs would then be the main focal points of housing development and economic growth for the entire South East over 20 years.

In its submission, the council says its wish is to see "a well-planned urban extension" of Oxford, but says the proposal for 5,000 homes near Grenoble Road is only one of the sites with development potential.

The report said: "The city considers that it is very important that there should be a Strategic Development Area within the Central Oxfordshire sub-region, preferably immediately adjacent to the city, even if this is on land currently designated Green Belt."

But the city's decision has outraged neighbouring councils, and some councillors accused the Labour leadership of making the submission behind their back, with the public being kept in the dark.

Lib Dem councillor Jean Fooks said: "The true extent of their intentions in the Green Belt has been withheld from citizens. The regional assembly has been consulting on development in central Oxfordshire, but the city has sent in its response without bringing it either to the executive board or the council."

Vale of the White Horse District Council leader Jerry Patterson said: "I don't know whether the city realises what it is doing or even knows what an SDA is. An SDA represents two Abingdons or one and a quarter Banburys.

"It would totally destroy central Oxfordshire, creating one giant Oxford, stretching from Kidlington to Didcot. This is not a strategic plan. It is ill-considered ribbon development."

Ed Turner, city council executive member with responsibility for strategic planning, said: "SDA status offers a great opportunity for the city from extra investment. Oxford is a growing area and it would help us meet some of the challenges which growth brings. It could assist with the relocation of the railway station for example and some of the transport challenges.

"The report reiterates existing city council policy," he added.