In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the scale of the housing shortage in the UK, which has driven a national housebuilding mission by the Government.

Consequently, Oxford City Council is currently progressing its new Local Plan, setting out its strategy for housing, employment and community facilities over the next twenty years. The draft ‘Regulation 19’ Plan identifies Ruskin Fields as suitable for new homes.

Our proposed homes at Ruskin Fields will be designed for everyone, helping local families stay close to jobs, schools and support networks. 40% of the homes will be affordable, and we are exploring opportunities for some to be designated for key local workers.

All proceeds to Ruskin College from the sale of the land will be legally ‘locked in’ to the College and used for re-investment in the campus and facilities.

As part of the planning process, Oxford City Council will require the housebuilder to provide significant funding for local community infrastructure through two measures, the ‘Community Infrastructure Levy’ (CIL) and a ‘Section 106’ (S106) agreement.

As Headington has no Parish Council but does have an adopted Neighbourhood Plan, 25% of the CIL money from the new homes will be held by Oxford City Council, but allocated to community projects prioritised by the Headington Neighbourhood Forum. The remainder of the
funds will go to the City and County Councils, where it will be set aside for broader community infrastructure improvements.

In addition to CIL, a S106 contribution from the housebuilder will mitigate specific impacts of the new homes in areas such as transport, open space or community improvements. This ensures the scheme is supported by the infrastructure it needs.