Second phase of Kingsmere gets go ahead

Plans for up to 726 additional new homes at Kingsmere on the outskirts of Bicester have been approved. Countryside Properties (Bicester) Ltd’s proposals for the second phase of Kingsmere, which were approved by Cherwell District Council on 7th August, also include a primary school, a public square, retail space and sports pitches. The consent for the second phase will bring the total number of new homes at Kingsmere up to a maximum of 2,450.

Kingsmere is already well on its way to establishing itself as a thriving new community on the south western edge of Bicester. High quality new homes are being developed alongside an outstanding range of amenities including a new secondary and primary school, a village centre with shops, community and health facilities, two major recreational areas with sports facilities and a business park. A new hotel and family restaurant have already opened.

The site for the second phase of Kingsmere covers 37 hectares (91 acres), compared to 116 hectares (287 acres) for the first phase. The additional new homes will be spread across a variety of sizes, types and tenures to suit a wide range of lifestyles, including 30% affordable and extra care housing. As in phase one, there will be an emphasis on community facilities and open spaces, a public square with space for a small convenience store, a series of parks with play space, sports pitches, landscaping and a network of footpaths and cyclepaths. Phase two will also include a second new primary school at Kingsmere.

Andrew Carrington, Director of Countryside Properties (Bicester) Ltd comments: “Having built momentum with the successful development of phase one of Kingsmere so far, we are very pleased to receive consent for the second phase to ensure the delivery of Kingsmere continues seamlessly. We were also delighted to be given the go ahead to deliver an additional 100 properties in phase one. In all, the plans for phases one and two will create a comprehensive and cohesive new neighbourhood that significantly contributes toward meeting the demand for new homes in the area. Phase two provides additional community and social infrastructure including a new primary school, as well as excellent connections to Bicester town centre and the countryside, all of which will help create a vibrant place to live.”

Kingsmere is located just 12 miles from Oxford and is commutable to London and Birmingham within the hour. As part of the scheme, Countryside Properties (Bicester) Ltd is also contributing major investment toward infrastructure improvements in and around Bicester including public transport, education, library services and highway improvements. Enhanced local bus services run directly through the site providing a link to nearby Bicester town centre.

For further information on Kingsmere, visit kingsmere-bicester.com.