On Monday 6 October Cherwell's Council Executive will consider a report on the proposed regeneration of the Canalside area in Banbury.

This is an area of about 45 acres between Bridge Street, Cherwell Street, and the railway line. It is proposed that the land be allocated in the Council's Local Development Framework as suitable for redevelopment, with up to 1,200 new homes.

The Council has been investigating the development potential of this site for some time, helped by English Partnerships. The regeneration of this area is likely to be an attractive alternative to allocating a greenfield site for the development of the new homes that the Council is required to provide for. Using the site to build homes will be dependant on the proposed Banbury flood alleviation scheme going ahead.


Councillor Gibbard, the Council's Portfolio Holder For Planning and Housing said: "This site is far from straightforward and no doubt there will be many problems to overcome. In particular, it will be necessary to work closely with landowners to assist in the relocation of existing businesses, and in particular, to find a replacement site for Banbury United football club. But our vision is for sustainable development close to the town centre and the railway station, enhanced by the environment created by the river and canal running through the site."

(CD/JM)