Planners approve major developments in Bicester and Banbury

Plans for a glazed canopy over the Oxford Canal were dropped in the revised application

Two major developments in Oxfordshire have been given the go-ahead.

Plans to build 726 new homes on arable farmland, north of Whitelands Farm, Bicester, were given outline planning permission on Thursday.

At the same meeting, Cherwell District Council also approved revised plans for a leisure and retail scheme next to the Oxford Canal in Banbury.

The Bicester housing development, phase two of the Kingsmere scheme, brings the total number of homes there to 2,300.

The plans, from Countryside Properties, also include an extra care facility, primary school and sports pitches. At least 30% of the properties will be made available on a shared ownership basis or with affordable rent.