Banbury Canalside regeneration moved a step closer when Cherwell District Council considered draft proposals for the Canalside area.

The proposals are set out in a draft 'Supplementary Planning Document' (SPD), which will shortly go out for public consultation. The document seeks to promote and manage development proposals in the area to create a vibrant new community.

Plans for the area include:

• the creation of about 1200 homes
• new retail, office and leisure opportunities
• a new primary school
• public open spaces
• pedestrian and cycle routes including new footbridges
• multi storey car parks for railway station users and residents

The draft SPD is part of the work being undertaken for the council's Local Development Framework, which will guide the future development of the district.


Cherwell's Portfolio Holder for Planning and Housing, Cllr Michael Gibbard, said: "The regeneration of the Canalside area has the potential to invigorate the centre of Banbury and is an exciting opportunity for the district. The council has prepared proposals for the site and consultation will now give people the chance to let us know what they think of them. We know there are many challenges ahead before we'll see this project come to fruition. We will continue to work with landowners in the area on the proposals. Progress will also depend on the implementation of Banbury's flood alleviation scheme and the council is working hard to support the Environment Agency in moving that forward."

The draft SPD will go out to public consultation in early November for six weeks and the public will be able to see the proposals at an exhibition in Castle Quay on Saturday 14 November. The results of the consultation will be reported back to the council's Executive early in 2010.

(CD/KMcA)