Recent plans, submitted for a new academy at Kingsmere in Bicester spells good news for the residents of Kingsmere.

The proposed 600-pupil secondary school is part of the on-going development at Kingsmere and the plans have been submitted by Oxfordshire County Council.

The new school, known as the Alchester Academy, is expected to open in September 2019 and will be run by The White Horse Federation.

The plans include fifteen normal classrooms, five science classrooms, an IT suite, a music suite, four art rooms, a drama studio, student dining room, ‘break-out area’, main hall, sports hall and a kitchen.  There will be 52 staff parking spaces, five visitor spaces and 72 bike spaces, promoting cycling for students.

The academy is planned to serve the south west Bicester site which will have up to 2,450 homes once complete.  Building has been going on since 2010 and more than 500 homes have already been built, as well as a sports ground and a new building for St Edburg’s Primary School.

County spokesman Owen Morton said: “The council has secured the site and developer funding but the school will be an academy, as all new schools are required to be.

Plans were submitted to Cherwell District Council for approval on January 23 and people have until February 15 to submit their comments.

Many have already praised the green space and another local said: “Like the idea of the library and dining area being in the ‘heart’ of the school. Also exciting to have a smaller secondary school.”

In response to that consultation, the county council has made a number of changes to plans including changes to the cladding on the sports hall and main hall to break up the appearance of the buildings with limited windows.

More plants have also been added to the boundary with nearby homes to create a more rural character for the school.

The council is now holding another public consultation for people to have their say on the submitted planning application

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