Outline planning permission has been granted for the development of a 170-acre innovation district around Begbroke Science Park, a few miles north of Oxford.
Cherwell District Council’s decision was made in line with the planning officer’s recommendation last week after initial plans were filed last year.
The new village, designed by Hawkins Brown, will be delivered by Oxford University Development, a joint venture between the University of Oxford and Legal & General. It will comprise 1,800 homes, of which 50% will be classified as affordable, and 1.7m sq ft of science-related space.
Alongside the homes and open space, there will be up to three new schools and community facilities, totalling 226,000 sq ft.
Planning papers reference a GVA of around £365m.
Anna Strongman, chief executive at Oxford University Development, said: “The resolution to grant outline planning approval for Begbroke Innovation District is a step forward in our ambition to deliver sustainable communities in Oxfordshire that will enable research and innovation to continue alongside much-needed new homes.”
The next step will be to finalise the section 106 agreement to enable the project progress in 2025 when the jv will bring forward detailed proposals in consultation with Cherwell District Council, Oxfordshire County Council and the local community.
Image © Hawkins/Brown
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