Plans submitted for redevelopment of Blackbird Leys
Catalyst, part of the Peabody Group, and Oxford City Council have submitted plans to build affordable homes, retail space, and new community facilities in the heart of Blackbird Leys.
The planning application contains detailed plans for 294 new rented and shared ownership homes across two sites, the district centre and Knights Road. It also contains outline plans for a new community centre and community square.
Plans for the district centre include 210 new homes, 83% of which will be for rent and 17% shared ownership. The site will also provide green open spaces including a community garden, shops, a community centre, improved road infrastructure and a safe, segregated cycle route.
Meanwhile, 84 new houses are planned for Knights Road, all of which will be shared ownership.
The submission follows “extensive engagement” with the local community since April 2019. Catalyst and the council have held a series of events, workshops, and one-to-one conversations with local people and stakeholders to shape the design of the redevelopment.
Given the huge rises in construction costs there are still financial challenges to resolve to bring the scheme forward. Catalyst will continue to work through these while the planning application is being considered
It is hoped that work on the first phase of the development will commence late this year. Consultation on future phases of the development is likely to take place in 2024.
The council is now validating the planning application, which will be available for viewing and comments on its planning portal in the next few weeks.
