Former bargain centre to provide new apartments in Bicester

Members of Cherwell District Council’s planning committee approved the proposal on Victoria Road last Thursday, which will provide 42 dwellings, communal facilities, access and car parking.

In granting planning permission, councillors stipulated the applicant, Church Retirement Living, must also make a financial contribution under section 106 funding to support the establishment of a new day care centre to serve Bicester.

The existing store and neighbouring building will be demolished to make way for the three-storey apartment building, which would house an estimated 53 residents.

Councillor Michael Gibbard, Cherwell’s lead member for planning, said: “People are now living longer than ever before so we need to put provisions in place to help them retain their independence for as long as possible.”

“This application will meet that need while bringing a forgotten brownfield site back into use in a prominent location close to the town centre.

“Developments like this in locations such as this one mean the residents are within convenient reach of the town’s shops, community facilities and public transport giving them the freedom to come and go as they please.”

Aside from the apartment building, the 0.33 hectare site would also incorporate 26 parking spaces which would be split into two areas accessible from Victoria Road and Linden Road.

There would also be one large landscaped amenity area outside.