Community views invited on student accommodation redevelopment

Oxford Brookes is continuing to engage with community members on proposals to develop part of Clive Booth Student Village.

The development of the existing student accommodation site, located on University land close to Marston Road in East Oxford, is recognised in the Oxford Local Plan 2036. The plan also recognises that ‘accommodating university students in purpose-built halls and other university-provided accommodation can help to reduce the demand from students on the general housing stock’.

Oxford Brookes is seeking to accommodate an additional 560 to 600 students at Clive Booth from September 2023, modernising accommodation to meet the needs of future students, while also helping to reduce pressure on local housing supply.

Following an initial period of community engagement in November and December 2020 exploring the broad changes proposed for the site, the University has carefully considered local feedback and suggestions for improvements.

Changes to plans following feedback

Improvements to the latest plans include measures to address the impact of buildings on views and neighbouring areas, the replacement of trees and protection of habitats.

The University has already made revisions to the proposed plans, including reduced building heights and massing. It is reassessing the likely impacts on biodiversity and on the local Conservation Area, and has been adapting the designs and the key aspects of the site.

One of the aims is to provide a net gain to biodiversity, enhance habitats, and maintain the tree canopy in the long term.

Benefits for students and the community

The partial redevelopment of the Clive Booth Student Village will bring a number of benefits to both students and local communities:

• By providing improved, modern accommodation blocks, housing students close to Oxford Brookes’ Headington Campus and alleviating pressure on private rental properties in the local area.

• The proximity to the Headington Campus will encourage more students to walk or cycle, easing pressure on local bus services.

• High-quality rooms, improved indoor social spaces and a range of accommodation options will bring a positive and supportive student experience, and suit affordability and personal living preferences.

• Students living in halls of residence are not permitted to bring a vehicle to Oxford, so it is anticipated that this redevelopment will help reduce the number of cars in the city.

• Improved facilities for Oxford Brookes University Nursery, also located on the site, which provides care for the children of students, staff and the local community.

Feedback process now open until 5 February

The University’s updated proposals are now being shared with local residents and community members between Monday 25 January and Friday 5 February 2021. Additional feedback gained on the latest designs will inform further refinements ahead of the submission of a planning application by the University.

Brendan Casey, Registrar and Chief Operating Officer of Oxford Brookes University, said: “The University is committed to providing high-quality student accommodation and easing pressure on local housing supply in Oxford. The feedback we have already received from the local community has been very helpful in further developing our plans for the proposed redevelopment of Clive Booth Student Village. We’ve carefully considered all of the community’s comments and made significant changes to our plans as a result. I would encourage the local community to take a look at our updated plans and share their feedback.”

Further details on the updated plans can be found on the University’s dedicated webpages at Clive Booth Comments and questions can be raised via these webpages, by emailing community@brookes.ac.uk or calling 01865 484451.

In line with COVID-19 restrictions, virtual information events are taking place at 2.00pm on Tuesday 2 February and 6.00pm on Wednesday 3 February where there will be an opportunity to hear more about the University’s plans and ask questions - please visit the website to register.