Oxford City Council’s Cabinet is set to approve proactive steps to bring forward the redevelopment of the Jericho Wharf site.
Oxford City Council’s Cabinet is set to approve proactive steps to bring forward the redevelopment of the Jericho Wharf site, which has remained largely derelict for two decades despite previous planning permission being granted.
Planning consent has now expired, and despite multiple meetings with the landowner, the Council has received no assurances that development will be progressed in line with planning policy or previous consents.
The community, including the Jericho Wharf Trust, has long expressed frustration at the lack of progress. The Council is now exploring options to help bring forward development on the site.
A report published today, 10 March 2026, proposes that if the landowner is unable to bring forward development, the Council will look for an alternative development partner with a viable business plan to acquire the site and deliver a mix of homes, public realm improvements and community facilities, as outlined in the current Local Plan.
Cabinet is also being asked to consider the use of a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) to acquire the site if necessary, and as a last resort if the land cannot be acquired by agreement.
A £200,000 existing capital budget has been set aside to support initial procurement and preparatory work. It is expected that any further CPO‑related spend would be recovered from the selected development partner.
Next steps
If approved by Cabinet, the procurement process for a new development partner could take 6–9 months. While this is happening, the Council will continue conversations with the current landowner and local stakeholders.
If a CPO becomes necessary, another report will be brought back to Cabinet justifying the proposals and setting out the legal case before any formal action is initiated.
Comment
“The local community has waited far too long for progress at Jericho Wharf, so we’re exploring ways to make sure the site finally delivers the homes and community facilities they were promised.
“We continue to engage with the landowner, but, failing any progress there, we should also look for a new partner who can make this happen.
“The use of CPO powers would only ever be a last resort, and only if all legal tests are fully met, but all options have to be on the table, as the current situation is not acceptable and has gone on for far too long.”
Councillor Ed Turner, Deputy Leader (Statutory) and Cabinet Member for Finance and Asset Management
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