The Committee considered an application (22/02955/FUL) for the implementation of flood mitigation scheme and the reinstatement of the Oxpens Meadow, demolition and installation of interim boundary treatments including fencing, alongside ground works and installation of sheet piling to regrade areas of public realm, including works to the existing towpath to allow for outfall pipes (additional information and amended plans).

The Planning Officer gave a presentation outlining the details of the location and the proposal. This included site photos and existing and proposed elevations and plans.

• The application sought planning permission for the implementation of a flood mitigating scheme, along with the reinstatement of Oxpens Meadow. The proposal included the demolition of several buildings on the site, the provision of boundary treatments and the installation of sheet piling to regrade areas of the public realm. Additionally, works were planned for the path to accommodate pipes as part of the drainage strategy. The environmental statement submitted with the outline application addressed these works as part of the broader mitigation measures for the effects of the wider development.
• The first part of the application involved the demolition of the Formula One Autocentre and the former night club, now used as council offices. The principal aspect of the proposal focused on the provision of a flood compensation scheme, which included cutting and filling, along with some reprofiling of Oxpens Meadow and the rear of the Ice Rink, to create additional flood storage capacity during times of flooding. This flood compensation was designed to be integrated within the Meadow itself.
• The recommendation is for Planning Committee to grant planning permission for the development, subject to the conditions set out in the report. Additionally, the Planning Officer noted that part of the biodiversity net gain, particularly regarding river credits, would need to be secured through the completion of a legal agreement.

Kevin Minns spoke in favour of the application.

The Committee asked questions about the details of the application which were responded to by officers and the applicant. The Committee’s discussions included, but were not limited to:

• Concerns about flood mitigation and reprofiling. The Planning Officer clarified that the aim was to create flood compensation by lowering the land levels, which would then be filled to facilitate the flood storage capacity.
• Concerns about the removal of trees, particularly mature trees. The Planning Officer clarified that the tree removal would be limited, with no high-quality trees being affected. Furthermore, a larger area of trees would be planted as part of the replanting efforts, providing a more sustainable, long-term tree canopy.

On being proposed, seconded, and put to the vote, the Committee agreed with the officer’s recommendation to approve the application for the reasons listed on the report, and subject to the conditions set out in the report.

The Oxford City Planning Committee resolved to:

1.    Approve the application for the reasons given in the report and subject to the required planning conditions set out in section 12 of this report and grant planning permission subject to the satisfactory completion of a legal agreement under section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and other enabling powers to secure the planning obligations set out in the recommended heads of terms which are set out in the report; and

2.    Agree to delegate authority to the Head of Planning Services to:

·       finalise the recommended conditions as set out in this report including such refinements, amendments, additions and/or deletions as the Head of Planning Services considers reasonably necessary and issue the planning permission.

·       Finalise the recommended legal agreement under section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and other enabling powers as set out in the report, including refining, adding to, amending and/or deleting the obligations detailed in the heads of terms set out in the report (including to dovetail with and where appropriate, reinforce the final conditions and informatives to be attached to the planning permission) as the Head of Planning Services considers reasonably necessary; and

·       Complete the section 106 legal agreement referred to above and issue the planning permission.