District Information

About Cherwell and South Northamptonshire

The Cherwell District in North Oxfordshire is a predominantly rural area providing an excellent environment in which to live and work. There are three urban centres - Banbury, Bicester and Kidlington - which together contain 64.5% of the population. Cherwell continues to change, with a population of approximately 141,868 projected to increase to around 155,650 by 2021.

Cherwell Council is working to implement its four main priorities in order to benefit the residents and business of the District:

  • A district of opportunity;
  • A cleaner, greener district;
  • A safe, healthy and thriving district;
  • An accessible value for money council;

Banbury

A pleasant and historic town of approximately 46,853 inhabitants, Banbury is famous for its Cross and Cakes. Banbury provides the main market and shopping centre for a wide area, and continues to expand rapidly to meet these growing demands. A major town centre redevelopment scheme has recently been completed. Partly pedestrianised, the town centre combines the best of old and new, retaining its historic atmosphere in an attractive shopping environment. With direct access to the M40 motorway and considerable investment in new housing and commercial property, Banbury's future as a centre of importance is assured.

Bicester

The ancient market town of Bicester has witnessed rapid growth in recent years and now boasts a population of approximately 30,854. Centred around the Market Place, the shopping area retains the historic character of the town, and its pedestrianisation scheme has ensured that Bicester's role as a commercial and industrial centre continues to flourish. With easy access to the M40 motorway, Bicester continues to attract development and now offers a wide range of business and industrial properties, complemented by extensive new housing and the Bicester Retail Village. The planned eco development of 5,000 homes was designated a national eco town in 2009 and has attracted significant central government funding.

Kidlington

Situated just north of Oxford, Kidlington is now home to around 13,723 residents. A 1930's Garden City built around an old greystone village, Kidlington offers a thriving community with a village atmosphere. Most of the residential development has occurred since the prestigious Oxford Spires Business Park. With the added attraction of the Oxford Airport on the parish boundary, boasting facilities for executive travel and helicopter services, the sometime 'largest village in England' looks set for continued growth and prosperity.

Further Reading

About Cherwell District Council

South Northamptonshire is a mainly rural district, covering an area of approximately 634 km2 (26.8% of the area of the county), and with a growing population of approximately 85,189 people, projected to increase to 94,304 by 2021.

The Council has four strategic priorities:

  • Preserve what’s special;
  • Protect our quality of life;
  • Enhance performance;
  • Secure a prosperous and sustainable future

The district consists of two historic market towns – Brackley and Towcester, 96 villages and 78 parishes.Brackley, with a population of approximately 13,018 and Towcester with a population of approximately 9,252 are home to 26.1% of the population of the district.

With its central location, halfway between London and Birmingham, easy access to the M1 and M40 motorways and a number of rail stations, South Northamptonshire is a great location for commuters and businesses.

The Silverstone Circuit, as well as attracting many thousands of visitors through the year, is also a significant employer, home to a number of internationally recognised, high-technology motorsport industries. Building on its current success there are ambitious plans to develop the circuit further with new facilities including a University Technology College and plans for 4500 new technology jobs.

Rolling countryside, the canal network, stately homes and other natural and cultural attractions have helped the district’s tourism industry to grow. The heritage of our historic towns and villages is nurtured and protected with 55 conservation areas in place.

Development and growth are centred on the market towns of Brackley and Towcester. Masterplans have been approved for Brackley, Towcester and Roade to guide growth and to ensure that the communities secures new facilities, regenerated town centres and become great places to live, work and visit.

The employment rate in South Northamptonshire is high, compared to the regional and national average, at 80.4% of 16- 64 year olds in occupation. Figures have consistently shown that South Northamptonshire has a lower percentage of younger people in the Job Seekers Allowance claimant numbers than the regional and national average.

Further reading

South Northamptonshire Council