Case Study: Mixed-use city centre scheme, Oxford City Council

Background

Our client sought planning consent to demolish & replace two retail buildings in Oxford city centre and renovate a third, creating new prime retail space on the ground and basement floors and 133 student rooms above.

Challenge

The development was in a highly-sensitive location within the Central Conservation Area, in the heart of the historic city and opposite the medieval Carfax Tower. As a consequence the scheme was under intense scrutiny for its impact on the urban fabric, on the medieval street pattern and on city views, particularly from the top of Carfax Tower.

Solution

Appointed in the run-up to the Planning Committee date, SP Broadway devised a comprehensive communications strategy designed to communite the benefits of the development. This included:

  • A briefing meeting with the Leader of the Council.
  • A presentation to Planning Committee members by the project team.
  • A detailed briefing letter to Planning Committee members, explaining the scheme, listing the benefits and addressing specific areas of concern, such as the impact on city views.
  • Telephone calls to Planning Committee members in the days before the committee date, to answer any last minute concerns, understand views and gauge the level of likely support.

Result

Oxford City Council West Area Planning Committee voted unanimously to approve the development in principle on 12 November 2014.

Case Studies

Politics of Planning

Former Conservative Minister for Housing and Planning calls for Green Belt Review
December 8, 2023
Autumn Budget 2023
November 24, 2023
Review: Herefordshire breakfast with Cllr Elissa Swinglehurst
November 21, 2023

Politics of Planning is our weekly planning update, bringing you the news and analysis you need to plot a successful planning course though fast-changing political waters.tyu

   

Events

Cllr Matt Furniss
Cabinet Member for Transport, Infrastructure and Growth, Surrey County Council
Online via Microsoft Teams
7.45am - 10am
December 14, 2023
Cllr Richard Clewer
Leader of Wiltshire Council
Online via Microsoft Teams
7.45am - 10am
January 24, 2024
Cllr Satvir Kaur
Leader of Southampton City Council
Online via Microsoft Teams
7.45am - 10am
February 28, 2024

Throughout the year we host roundtable discussions between leading politicians and key figures within the development industry.

See All Events