Oxford City Council’s planning committee has unanimously approved the detailed design for the first 317 homes of Oxford North Canalside, a distinctive, low-carbon neighbourhood designed to support Oxford’s growing science and technology community.
LDA Design has been working with Hill Group and Thomas White Oxford, the development company of St John’s College, on a landscape vision that ensures quality shared open spaces are at the heart of this well-connected neighbourhood.
Ultra-energy efficient homes, fitted with green and brown roofs, air source heat pumps and photovoltaic panels, are designed around a central neighbourhood garden square plus canalside park. The site will feature meadow grassland, play spaces, lawns and a network of pedestrian and cycle paths. New tree planting of more than 200 trees includes native trees and a linear orchard of apple, pear, and cherry trees. Generous planting will further enhance local biodiversity. There is space for community events and chance encounters.
Kirk Nelson, a director at LDA Design and project lead for Oxford North, said: “We are delighted to see the Council has backed this exciting development. Our landscape proposals encourage walking and cycling, and support wildlife corridors, close contact with nature and healthy lifestyles. This will be a productive landscape too with lovely groves of fruit and nut trees.”
Construction is now due to start later this year, and there will be training opportunities for local people in green and traditional construction skills. Hill Group will also maximise local procurement opportunities.
Outline planning for the overall Oxford North masterplan was granted in 2021. Hill has been on-site since last August to ensure key infrastructure is in place.
