NW Bicester history
The vision for the development of Bicester into a town with better facilities for everyone has emerged since 2007. The following timeline is the journey that has been taken by residents, businesses and local authorities in that time.
July 2007
Eco-towns are proposed by Government
In July 2007 the Government launched the Eco-towns Prospectus 2007 (.pdf format, 603Kb) together with a housing green paper. The aim was to invite local authorities to make bids for funding for large scale zero carbon eco-towns that promoted eco-friendly living as well as high quality design and architecture.
October 2007
Developers and local authorities propose locations for eco-towns
In October 2007, 57 bids were received from developers and local authorities. These bids went forward to a cross governmental review across a number of government departments, plus the statutory consultees such as Environment Agency and Natural England.
April 2008
Western Otmoor shortlisted as a potential site for an eco-town
In Aprill 2008 Western Otmoor was one of 15 short-listed sites in a proposal by Partridge Holdings Ltd. At the same time the standards for eco-town developments were indicated in a government paper Eco-towns – living a greener future (.pdf format, 1.7MB).
July 2008
Two reports on the eco-town expert panel published indicating where each location needs improvement.
Eco-towns – living a greener future (.pdf format, 1.7MB) published, indicating improved standards and further detail on the shortlisted locations. SEA and appropriate assessment scoping reports published.
November 2008
Eco-towns PPS and draft sustainability appraisal and habitats regulations assessment published. This contains our suggested alternative at north west Bicester. Consultation closed on 30 April 2009.
December 2008
Concept of eco town NW Bicester investigated
In December 2008 Cherwell District Council commissioned independent consultants Halcrow to establish whether the concept of an eco town at NW Bicester is practical and viable.
January 2009
Impact of an eco-town at Western Otmoor investigated
The local authorities commissioned Impact studies to find out how an Eco-Town at Western Otmoor of 15,000 homes would effect the surrounding villages and towns. The studies were as follows:
- Socio economic study of the impact of the Weston Otmoor eco town
- Water cycle study
- Landscape and landscape assessment
- Ecological study
As a result of these studies local authorities agreed that the impact on Bicester and surrounding villages would be detrimental and so they opposed this proposal in a letter. The letter highlighted concerns raised by the town, district and county councils, particularly in respect of transport.
The studies and letters can be downloaded from the Cherwell District Council website.
In promoting NW Bicester we placed some caveats on our support, summarised in the Ten Point Plan for Bicester (.pdf format, 95Kb).