Introduction to Site

The proposed development site comprises two separate sites: Oxpens and Osney Mead. They are located on the west side of Oxford and identified in the Oxford Local Plan as part of the West End Area of Change.

Strategically, the site is located close to key road and rail connections to major UK cities: London, Birmingham and Bristol via Oxford Station and the A40 (via Botley Road).

Ox-Cam Arc is a key economic growth area identified by the UK government. The recently published report ‘Planning for sustainable growth in the Oxford- Cambridge Arc’ (Feb 2021) identifies issues and threats to be addressed within the arc including: natural environment and climate change (including car dependency, poor air quality and flood risk across the region), connectivity and infrastructure (particularly eastwest connectivity and car dependency in the region) and the availiability of homes where they are most needed (due to poor housing affordability) (p.6). These development priorities will be reflected in our vision.

Figure 1.2. Oxford-Cambridge Arc Figure 1.3. Aerial view of Oxpens and Osney Mead sites