An environmental group has urged that Oxford’s growth through increased housing density be approached with caution and structure, reacting to a new assessment from the local authority.
Oxford City Council has released a paper outlining its plan to encourage construction in important sections along the Cowley Branch Line by permitting greater building heights.
The study, developed alongside Homes England and Historic England by LDA Design, seeks to enhance Oxford’s standing across different work sectors while boosting economic prosperity and safeguarding significant vistas.
The assessment identified three locations where taller or more concentrated building could be suitable: South Oxford, Barton Park and North Oxford.
Helen Marshall, speaking for POETS (Planning Oxfordshire’s Environment and Transport Sustainably), said the organisation broadly backs increased housing density, particularly where dependable public transport is available.
Making use of the Cowley Branch Line reopening is logical, but rail provides restricted options for shorter journeys within the area.
Considerably improved bus services and routes for pedestrians and cyclists will be necessary to make this viable without swamping road networks already operating at full capacity.
More intensive building can help with this – though the real benefits include safeguarding countryside for farming, wildlife and health.
POETS has consistently raised in submissions to various City Local Plans and the Oxford Growth Commission that there are significant worries about attempting to force growing amounts of work into Oxford, endangering its unique character and placing severe pressure on suitable housing.
The study looked at increased-density construction with regard to Oxford’s characteristic skyline
Offering social and truly affordable mid-rise homes at substantially greater density offers one answer to this, and should be the priority.
A joint declaration from Oxfordshire County Councillors Andrew Gant, transport cabinet member, and Judy Roberts, cabinet member for place, environment and climate action, said the Cowley Branch Line reopening is not simply a transport project, it signals a fundamental shift in Oxford’s development philosophy.
To those wondering whether a railway line alone can manage all new travel demand, the solution lies in the Decide and Provide method. We are not simply increasing population and hoping roads handle it. We are creating a city where owning a car is no longer a necessity.
By linking this railway line with the Local Transport and Connectivity Plan and strict car-free parking conditions, we are disconnecting economic growth from traffic problems.
New developments near Cowley and Littlemore stations will prioritise walking, cycling, buses and rail, meeting our target of replacing one in four car trips by 2030.
We are not planning for more vehicles; we are delivering high-capacity, net-zero infrastructure that allows Oxford to flourish without them.
The Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust voiced backing for the guidance in the Land Use Framework published by the Government recently, which promotes efficient land use delivering simultaneous multiple benefits.
Matthew Stanton, BBOWT’s director of external affairs and landscape recovery, said achieving the correct development density involves crafting areas that maximise land use, create attractive neighbourhoods and encourage sustainable transport.
Nevertheless, to enhance wellbeing and develop healthy communities, everyone needs entry to quality green spaces.
Therefore, increased-density development must not undermine entry to nature, both within the area and within walking distance.
Likewise, increased-density development must not entail building on the remaining patches of green space that communities depend on as their final accessible natural area as development spreads around them.
Although increased-density development may be appropriate in certain situations, the initial step must be a carefully considered and structured approach to development across the whole area, so we understand which locations must be safeguarded for people and wildlife and which locations can support additional homes.
Otherwise increased-density development will occur and be justified as protecting green spaces elsewhere, while those green spaces are simultaneously being built on.
Oxford City Council’s Councillor Alex Hollingsworth, cabinet member for planning and culture, said Oxford’s economy ranks among the most rapidly expanding in the country, producing new jobs and chances throughout the city.
To maintain this speed, we must ensure local people can obtain housing close to their work. This study provides a clear and well-thought-out method to achieve this, now and going forward.