Oxpens approved at Planning Committee
Oxpens was recommended for approval by Oxford City Council’s Planning Committee on 21 January 2025. This included an outline application for the mixed-use scheme and a detailed application for the implementation of a flood mitigation scheme and the reinstatement of the Oxpens Meadow.
Responding to the decisions, Kevin Minns, Managing Director of OxWED, said:
“We are absolutely thrilled that the Planning Committee voted in favour of the planning application this evening, which allows us to start work on how we realise our bold ambitions for the site.
Oxpens is arguably the most important regeneration opportunity in the city today and it has taken a lot of hard work by a large number of very talented people to get this point. We would like to thank each of them, along with all of the stakeholders we consulted, for helping to realise these truly transformative proposals.
This area of Oxford, with its rich history of community and industry, is now set for major regeneration bringing with it new homes, new jobs, new commercial space, fantastic public space and a whole new riverside neighbourhood for everyone in Oxford to enjoy.”
Councillor Alex Hollingsworth, Cabinet Member Business, Culture and Inclusive Economy, said:
“After years of land assembly, the redevelopment of Oxpens is an important step forward for Oxford and we’re pleased it has been approved so it can advance to the next stage.
This is a unique opportunity to redevelop one of the city’s largest remaining brownfield sites and is the largest housing development site in the city centre for generations. It will transform the area and kick start the wider regeneration of Oxford West End, helping it to realise its full potential.
Oxpens will deliver much-needed housing, with 50% being affordable, provide high-quality office and laboratory space in a highly sustainable location for jobs, a new hotel and public spaces, including an outdoor amphitheater, 750sqm of publicly accessible play space, and improved walking and cycling routes.
“The plans will create new opportunities for residents and businesses, supporting economic growth and helping to build a better future for our city.”
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