An Oxfordshire village will soon be getting 18 new flats after plans were permitted. 

Cherwell District Council approved developer Sweetcroft Homes' scheme for the former Kidlington Garage in Bicester Road. 

The plans will see six one-bed and 12 two-bed flats built over two buildings.

Planning permission was previously granted for 15 flats earlier this year. The new scheme will result in one of the buildings increasing by one-storey. 

It includes 18 residential car parking spaces, two visitor parking bays and cycling storage for 64 bikes. 

READ MORE: Angry Oxford residents demand old road layout reinstated now

Ian Middleton. (Image: Oxford Mail) It was approved by the planning committee on Thursday, November 7. Three objections were submitted by members of the public.

County councillor Ian Middleton, who represents the Kidlington East ward, had concerns about affordable housing. 

He said: “There are a number of concerns with this development. There is a lack of affordable units.

"The previous development was approved with absolutely no affordable elements and no community sum. I wasn't very happy about that at the time. 

“The fact that we agreed the previous application with no affordable units was a kick in the teeth for the people of Kidlington where there are growing families and a desperate need for this.

"The additional units will add insult to injury. There should be at least some affordable units.”

He added: “There are also concerns from residents about the mass and scale. I think it would be very out of character for the urban landscape. 

“The height is a concern because of overlooking. It's a large, imposing building. I think the developers should count themselves lucky with their previous development and not push their luck.”

Henry Venners, agent for the application, said: “It was unfortunate that the previous scheme did not have sufficient headroom to allow for affordable housing. Most of that is due to rising costs of building materials. 

“It was considered that the site was sufficient to allow for additional units without impacting neighbours. The scheme has been proposed as flats in this location due to the excellent bus services.

“This development is the right scheme in the right place.”

A comment from Kidlington Parish Council said: “The council continues to object to this proposal because of the limited on-site parking when there are already problems with nearby roadside, pavement and verge parking.

"With the addition of three further flats to those already approved there should be at least three, not two, additional parking spaces.”

In the planning officers' report, it said: “The delivery of housing is high on the government and district council’s agendas. 

“Having regard to the above, the proposal would secure additional housing provision, in a sustainable location on brownfield land, thereby optimising the use of the site.”

The scheme was approved with 14 votes for and three abstentions. 

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About the author  

Toby is a senior reporter who has a particular interest in covering planning and local government. 

He joined in September 2024 having been a reporter at the Hampshire Chronicle for three years. 

Toby studied at the University of Brighton and can be found on X through the handle @JournoToby 

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