BICESTER ROAD, KIDLINGTON

PROJECT

We were instructed by Hill Residential Limited to assess the transport planning and highway engineering implications of a 96 dwelling residential development at Bicester Road, Kidlington. The proposed site is allocated as a Strategic Development Site within the Cherwell Local Plan 2011- 2031 (2020) and helps to support Oxford’s unmet need for housing. The site allocation will provide an extension to Kidlington through the provision of approximately 430 dwellings, with 50% of the dwelling being affordable.

The site is accessible to a wide range of local services and facilities through both walking and cycling and has access to frequent public transport services providing links to a wide range of local services, facilities and employment opportunities within Oxford, Bicester, and Woodstock.

APPROACH

Prior to submission, we were involved in pre-application discussions with Oxfordshire County Council. As part of this exercise, access proposals, trip generation, trip distribution and impact were discussed.

The scope of work included Masterplanning and design advice concerning vehicular access arrangements, onsite parking layout, trip generation, impact assessments and a number of junction capacity assessments. We prepared a Transport Assessment and Travel Plan to support the planning application. The Transport Assessment demonstrated that the proposals would not have a detrimental impact on the local highway network in terms of operational capacity, with the Travel Plan prepared to promote sustainable transport use for those living at and visiting the site.

During the post-application discussions with the local highway authority, a number of concerns were raised. Ongoing discussions with the local highway authority are currently being undertaken to remove these concerns.

OUTCOME

The planning application is yet to be determined by the Local Planning Authority.