Plans submitted for 2,600-home next phase of Oxfordshire eco town

The proposals for 382 acres of farmland to the north of Lords Lane include up to 2,600 zero-carbon homes with between one and five bedrooms, and extra care apartments for the elderly. Up to 4,700 square metres of commercial space for light industrial, office and business uses and 1,250 sq m of retail and leisure space are proposed.

The scheme also includes a two-form entry primary school with playing fields, up to 2,500 sq m of community space and around 175 acres of green space, which the developer said could include a village green, a country park and a community farm.

A2Dominion said that it expects to submit a further outline planning application relating to 127 acres of land to the north of Howes Lane in due course. A total of up to 3,500 new homes will be proposed at the Lords Lane and Howes Lane sites, including 30% affordable homes and 250 extra care apartments.

The masterplan for the wider NW Bicester development was submitted to the Council earlier this year and proposes a new community of up to 6,000 homes. The development is one of 36 housing projects that have been shortlisted to receive a share of £850 million in government infrastructure loans.

Planning permission for the 393-home first phase of development at the site was granted in August 2011 and work began in March.

Steve Hornblow, project director for NW Bicester, said in a statement: "NW Bicester will showcase what the future can look like by enabling people to live healthy, affordable lives in high quality homes that use resources wisely and enhance their natural environment. Truly integrated with the existing town, NW Bicester will become a destination of choice for those looking to lead a sustainable lifestyle without compromising the needs of future generations".