New public park and street to unlock new homes at Oxford North given green light

The reserved matters application (RMA) for Oxford North’s Canalside new public park and residential street, made by Thomas White Oxford, the development company of St John’s College, has been resolved to be approved by Oxford City Council’s planning committee at a meeting held on Tuesday 16 August 2022.

With outline planning permission for Oxford North’s overall masterplan granted in March 2021, Thomas White Oxford made the application for the detailed design of the new park and street, which are south of the A40.

The new park will have predominantly native tree and shrub species with a mixed native hedge along the boundary to form a soft boundary to the new homes and include street furniture to allow dwell time.

The new street will provide access to the first new homes. It will be pedestrian and cycle-friendly and include rainwater gardens and places for small neighbourhood gatherings to allow an informal use of the space to encourage social interaction.

A separate reserved matters application has been made by Hill Group, the project’s residential development partner, which covers design, appearance, layout and low carbon living initiatives for 317 new homes.

Hill Group, which has been on-site since August 2021 delivering the project’s overall enabling infrastructure works, is contracted by Thomas White Oxford to deliver the new park and street. Canalside Park is the first of three public parks which will be created and works will start shortly.

Since August 2021, more than 250 local construction jobs, including four apprenticeship roles, have been created as a result of the project.

William Donger, chief executive officer, Thomas White Oxford said: “We welcome the planning committee’s decision on Oxford North’s latest reserved matters application.

"This is another significant milestone for the project to deliver the shared vision and enable the delivery of Oxford North’s first homes. It will create further local construction jobs and be a place which can be enjoyed by the local community and visitors.

"We firmly believe that well-designed public realm significantly contributes to the quality of the built environment and plays a key role in the creation of sustainable, inclusive, mixed communities. We look forward to delivering this next phase.”

Acting on behalf of Thomas White Oxford are Savills, Fletcher Priest Architects, Gardiner & Theobald LLP, Stantec, Townshend Landscape Architects, Hoare Lea, EDP, AKT II, and BSG Ecology.

To find out more about the new homes, please visit Oxford North's Homes page.