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Developer files updated application for demolition of magistrates' court

Matthew Norman
·1-min read
Bicester Magistrates' Court <i>(Image: Newsquest)</i>
Bicester Magistrates' Court (Image: Newsquest)

A developer has submitted an updated application for prior approval to demolish a magistrates’ court.

GG Oxford Investments Ltd had its previous application for prior approval to demolish Bicester Magistrates’ Court refused by Cherwell District Council.

The proposal was refused on the basis it did not provide enough information about keeping nearby trees safe during the demolition process.

READ MORE: Cherwell public invited to give comment on local plan

However, the developer has now submitted an updated application addressing the safety of trees in the area.

Speaking on the demolition plan, a spokesperson for RCA Regeneration, acting on behalf of GG Oxford Investments Ltd, said: “The report sets out that demolition would begin through a soft strip, which includes the removal of contents such as doors, skirting and other fixtures and fittings.

“This will leave the structure in place, ready for either manual or remote demolition. The demolition would follow basic demolition principles, which is to reduce the structure on a section-by-section basis, working from the highest level downwards to ensure no part of the structure falls within an uncontrolled manner.”

This latest prior approval application follows on from GG Oxford Investments Ltd's full planning application to demolish the court and construct 33 apartments together with landscaping, car parking, bin stores, secure cycle parking and associated infrastructure.

This differs from the developer’s previous full application – which was refused by Cherwell District Council, and the subsequent appeal dismissed by the planning inspector – which involved building 48 apartments.

 

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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