The original area of the allocated land was 22.77 hectares. However, the site area has been reduced by approximately four hectares due to the strategic road improvements at Mile End junction, leaving an area of 18.7 hectares for the development of the OIP.   

We've been undertaking ongoing work to test the potential for prospective employment and commercial development usage on the OIP through feasibility and development appraisal work.   

A refresh of the illustrative masterplan for the OIP has been undertaken which featured in the online consultation undertaken in December 2020.   

This consultation was used to engage with the local community on the proposed design prior to the finalisation of the planning submission. The planning application was submitted in March 2021, seeking detailed planning permission for the access road (to support works to divert utilities and make connections into the OIP site) and outline permission for the remaining site.   

The refreshed illustrative masterplan suggests a phased development of the plots and mix of business use. However we'll be adopting a flexible approach to the development of the site to respond to market demand.  

The socio-economic benefits of the overall scheme will be reviewed as planning applications for the development of plots are prepared to ensure local need and demand are being met.  

The illustrative masterplan for the Oswestry Innovation Park in development will set the vision and implementation strategy for the proposed development. The plan will focus on the site-specific proposals, such as the scale and layout of development, mix of uses, transport and green infrastructure, the intended arrangement of buildings and the public realm.   

Design guidance will be provided to accompany the overall illustrative masterplan, including the incorporation of sustainable design and construction. This guidance will reference energy use and supply, water use and supply, ecology and biodiversity, lifespan and durability of materials, and the use of technology, including future proofing for electric charging points to facilitate future use of electric vehicles. Guidance for future developments will encourage designs to consider energy use across the whole lifecycle rather than just the initial build cost, to reduce long term energy use.  

The opportunities to generate renewable energy are being explored as part of the illustrative masterplan for the OIP. These include opportunities for ground-mounted solar PV, battery storage and heat networks. Further work will be undertaken with potential end users to identify capacity needs and demands.   

Future plans for the OIP will be appraised to assess the climate change impact of these specific proposals.  

It's proposed that the OIP will be integrated with the wider area by access from the new road network and through the provision of a footbridge for pedestrians and cyclists linking the planned housing developments on the Oswestry Sustainable Urban Extension (SUE), with the employment land allocated for the Oswestry Innovation Park.