Councillors in Oxford have agreed to form a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) to progress the South Oxfordshire Science Village (SOSV) scheme for 3,000 homes, new schools and labs.
Oxford City Council’s cabinet approved a proposal, at its February 9 meeting, to set up the new business along with fellow landowners of the Grenoble Road site, Magdalen College and Thames Water.
The three SOSV partners plan to complete the drafting of the agreement and incorporate the partnership this year. The council will put just over £1 million into staff and consultancy costs, half of it in the form of a loan.
The site, which falls within the South Oxfordshire district, was released from the Green Belt during the adoption of the district council’s Local Plan. The ‘exceptional reasons’ required include providing for Oxford’s unmet housing need, particularly for affordable homes.
Cllr Alex Hollingsworth, cabinet member for planning and housing delivery, said: “Since October, we’ve been working hard with our fellow landowners Magdalen College and Thames Water.
“Although there’s a long way to go, cabinet agreement on establishing an LLP means we are now a step closer to realising our collective vision for around 3,000 homes, new jobs and facilities and better, more sustainable travel at SOSV.”
Half the 3,000 homes will be affordable and the scheme will also feature an extension to the Oxford Science Park, new schools, open spaces, community facilities and shops, as well as new sustainable travel plans.
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