Jenrick approves 500-home scheme on Oxford green belt

Housing secretary Robert Jenrick has approved Oxford Brookes University’s plans for 500 homes at its Wheatley Campus on green belt land. The application was approved at appeal after it was refused by South Oxfordshire District Council in 2018. The university subsequently opted to remove the retail from the plans and lodge an appeal with the planning inspectorate. Jenrick’s report detailing his approval acknowledges the site remains within the green belt, but considers sections to be previously developed land. The full site is proposed to be removed from the green belt and has been allocated for development in the local plan. However, this is yet to proceed to examination. Oxford Brookes’ redevelopment of the estate follows an investment plan announced in 2015. To send feedback, e-mail emma.rosser@egi.co.uk or tweet @EmmaARosser or @estatesgazette