Public opposition to turning a sports ground into a car park and extension of Bicester Village was put down to nostalgia and emotion as councillors approved the scheme.

Councillors on Cherwell District Council’s (CDC) planning committee voted 11 to 5 in favour of Value Retail’s development proposal, which will see land north and south of Pingle Drive, Bicester, redeveloped to provide a new public park, a car and cycle hub and additional guest services for Bicester Village.

The proposal made by the owner of Bicester Village raised many concerns for the public, particularly with regards to Oxford Road Sports Ground, which the new development will build over.

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Councillor Dan Sames shared this concern, among others. First to speak at the meeting, he laid down the reasons for his objection: “There’s already a deficiency in recreational space in Bicester, and this development would mean the loss of two rugby pitches, one football pitch and the club houses.

“It’s encouraging that Value Retail are have allocated £1.1 million towards replacement facilities, but it would take at least £1.5 million to replace the facilities being lost at Oxford Road Sports Ground.

“We are supposed to be getting equivalent or better provision, and this is not happening.

“Further, the design review panel support this application, they say it’s designed to a high standard. While that may be the case, it is still just a car park, the design standard isn’t very high in the first place.”

Councillors Chris Pruden and Nick Cotter echoed Mr Sames’ points and objected to the proposal.

Firmly opposed to the development plans, head of the campaign group ‘Save Oxford Road Sports Ground’ Roger Wise said: “I ask the members of this committee to refuse this application.

“Oxford Road Sports Ground has been used for local sport for over 100 years. This proposal would mean the change of use of a protected sports site. It should remain a sports site.

“I have been part of this campaign for 12 years. The local community has overwhelmingly said no to the loss of more green space.”

Speaking after Mr Wise, senior real estate director at The Bicester Collection, Richard Gough, said: “We sincerely believe our scheme will deliver a great many benefits to the people of Bicester.

“There will be a new park where residents and villagers of all ages can connect with their natural surroundings, as well as new and improved cycle and pedestrian routes.”

A concluding speech was given by Councillor Ian Corkin, who reminisced on the social importance the sporting ground’s club houses used to hold: “People would gather there to drink beer, to eat chilli, to admire the team shirts, ties, trophies and pictures on the walls.

“But nostalgia for an old sports ground will not fly today. We are governed by rules, not emotion.”

 

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This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1