WORK to redevelop the towers in Blackbird Leys are set to start next July once plans are approved by Oxford City Council.

The proposals for Windrush Tower and Evenlode Tower are set to go before councillors at the East Area planning committee and are expected to be approved.

Work on Plowman Tower in Headington, Foresters Tower in Wood Farm and Hockmore Tower in Cowley has also been recommended for approval by council planning officers.

Oxford City Council is planning to spend more than £18m on the revamp of the city’s five blocks.

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In a report to councillors ahead of next Wednesday’s East Area planning committee, planning officer Martin Armstrong endorsed the plans.

He said: “The proposals will result in structural improvement to the existing buildings and will improve their visual appearance in short-term views. Living conditions within the buildings will be improved by addressing deficiencies with existing heating systems, ventilation, condensation, recycling, insulation and the ability to use balconies flexibly.”

All of the towers will have their balconies enclosed, with large glass windows to create a small conservatory space.

Residents will also receive new roofs, windows, insulation, improvements to fire safety systems, and new parking and bin facilities, as part of the revamp.

Scott Seamons, board member for housing and estate regeneration, said: “It’s a really great project, we’ve been working closely with tenants who have became more and more involved in the consultations.

“It’s the biggest intervention of these tower blocks since they’ve been built, which was back in the 1960s.

“Once we’ve got planning permission we’ll be looking to appoint a contractor by December and work should start in the middle of next year.”

James Dineen, 33, who lives in Evenlode Tower, said: “I’d rather get it done sooner than later, it’s a bit dated and we sometimes get embarrassed when people come over and see the outside.

“I’m all for it – it’ll make the appearance of the flats from the outside so much better.”

The council had previously considered demolishing the five tower blocks, but decided that it would not make sense because any low rise replacements on the sites would offer far fewer homes.

Oxford City Council spokesman Chofamba Sithole said: “This is a major project which will go through the tendering process, selection of successful design solutions and signing of contracts and fixing of dates before the work programme can commence.

“We expect the work to start from July 2015 onwards.”



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