Oxford City Council released a study on 18 March 2026 that suggests building more homes and taller buildings in the areas surrounding the Cowley Branch Line in Oxford, Oxfordshire. The research focuses on creating sustainable growth and more housing for workers by making the most of the planned reopening of the railway line to passengers.
The report identifies specific locations for this development, including land around two proposed new train stations at Oxford Cowley and Oxford Littlemore. It also points to the Oxford Science Park and ARC Oxford as key areas where taller buildings could be built to support the local economy and provide spaces for businesses to grow.
Prepared by the urban design consultancy LDA Design, the study was a joint effort between the council, Historic England, and Homes England. The organisations involved aim to ensure that any new, taller buildings are designed carefully to protect the famous historic skyline of the city while still allowing for modern growth.
These findings will help shape the Local Plan 2045, which is the long-term strategy for how the city will change over the next two decades. The council expects to submit the final version of this planning document to the national government in the summer of 2026 following a final period of public consultation.
Councillor Alex Hollingsworth explained that the work is intended to align new housing with employment opportunities in the area. Tom Foxall from Historic England and Julia Krause from Homes England both supported the findings, noting that the development must respect the local character of the community while addressing the need for more homes.
