Oxford new homes: Views sought on recreation ground plan

The new homes made up of houses and flats could be built on Bertie Place recreation ground

People are being asked for their views on plans to build affordable homes on a recreation ground.

Oxford City Council's housing company, OX Place, wants to build 31 new homes on Bertie Place off Abingdon Road.

The proposals are for nine, two-bedroom homes sold for shared ownership the remaining 22 will be council homes - 10 houses and 12 flats.

If planning permission is given the council said work could start on the development in late 2023.

The authority said that because the homes would be electrically heated "they will become zero carbon when the electricity grid decarbonises".

The plans also include a new play and games area on the site to replace the existing play park and a nature trail.

Councillor Alex Hollingsworth, cabinet member for planning and housing delivery, said: "Oxford desperately needs more affordable homes.

"A lack of remaining large development sites means we need to deliver these on small pockets of land like Bertie Place.

"OX Place's new designs directly address issues raised by local residents and I would urge people to have their say on our housing company's latest proposals."

The Save Bertie Park group have been campaigning against the site being developed.

In a statement the group said: "Oxford has a desperate need for housing, but not at the expense of its recreation grounds. If they build on Bertie Park, which recreation ground will they build on next?

"The new homes will be hard-up against a new play area and multi-use games area. There will be nowhere for free play.

"We will be carrying out our own consultation to find out what our community really think of the council's plans."

Residents can see the designs on 1 November from 15:45 - 20:00 GMT at South Oxford Community Centre in Lake Street.