Gavray Drive, Bicester

Gavray Drive is a long-standing development allocation close to the centre of Bicester. The land is allocated for the development of up to 300 homes under Policy Bicester 13 (re-adopted) of the Cherwell Local Plan 2011-2031 Part 1, adopted in 2015. It remains a key site required by Cherwell District Council to meet its housing delivery objective.

Planning permission for the entire site was previously granted in 2006 but has since lapsed. Most recently an appeal for development of part of the allocation west of Langford Brook was dismissed at appeal in 2018. The Planning Inspector’s comments at that time pointed towards a need to consider the whole allocation both west and east of Langford Brook.

In response, L&Q Estates have now submitted a planning application for the full extent of the allocation. The planning application proposes no development in the Local Wildlife Site (See the Gavray Meadows website here) or Conservation Target Area with new homes (including affordable housing) outside these areas along with wider community benefits and infrastructure, as required by Cherwell District Council.

L&Q Estates are in discussions with Cherwell District Council to resolve outstanding matters to allow the planning application to be determined by the authority.