Consultation opens on plans to redevelop Underhill Circus in Barton

Oxford City Council has opened a public consultation on plans for the redevelopment of Underhill Circus, which envisage revamping the area with better public spaces, improved commercial space for shops and changes to the road layout.

The regeneration works would also see the Council demolish seven homes and the shops in the middle of Underhill Circus to build 42 new energy efficient homes to be let at social rent or for selling on a shared ownership basis.

The new homes will be a mix of flats and houses, and to fit in with the surrounding area they will be in three storey blocks, with a single four storey block containing ground floor space for a supermarket.

The Council is aiming for carbon emissions 70% below current building regulations by using high level airtight insulation and rooftop solar panels.

Cllr Diko Blackings, cabinet member for affordable housing, housing security and housing the homeless, said: ‘We want to ensure that our plans meet the needs of the Barton community, so please have your say and take part in our consultation.’

If plans are approved, new homes on the northern part of the site will see the closure of Underhill Circus between Fettiplace Road and Stowford Road, with the introduction of two-way traffic and relocation of bus stops to the southern half of the road.

A central mews street will divide the site in two and provide pedestrian and cycle access through the development, and two communal courtyards will be developed for residents.

The consultation is now open and will close on Friday 1 October, with the Council expecting to submit a planning application this autumn for construction to begin in late 2022.

More information about the consultation can be found here.

In related news, residents are being asked whether Pool should become a town, as part of a six-week consultation into the future of the area.

Photo by Suad Kamardeen