North Oxfordshire residents have benefited from over £700,000 of developer funding invested in community facilities and local projects.
Published: Thursday, 13th August 2026
In the 2025/26 financial year, Cherwell District Council supported more than 20 leisure and wellbeing projects across towns and villages throughout the district.
A total of £703,884.46 secured through the planning process has been used to support the development of leisure and community facilities used by local residents.
The investment is also set to continue, with further leisure and community projects identified for support and delivery in 2026/27.
Councillor Chris Aramini-Brant, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Planning and Enforcement, said: “Securing funding is a vital part of making sure development works for our residents. By carefully negotiating these developer agreements, we can help ensure that growth brings real benefits by providing funding that can deliver and support the facilities and infrastructure residents need to thrive.”
The funding has been used for various projects, including revitalising the millennium playground in Steeple Aston, updating the kitchen in the Windmill Centre in Deddington and refurbishing the multi-use games area at the Hook Norton sports and social club.
Councillor Lesley McLean, Leader of Cherwell District Council, said: “I am thrilled to see how the funding we have secured is making a real difference to the wellbeing and day-to-day lives of our residents. By investing in our outdoor spaces and community facilities, we’re not only ensuring that these much-loved spaces receive the vital support they need but also actively enhancing our residents’ health, wellbeing and quality of life for years to come.”
As part of the planning process, the council continues to work to secure developer funding contributions. These legal agreements are known as Section 106 funding and help to ensure that growth is supported by appropriate infrastructure and services.