C. Cutteslowe
General overview
The principal section of this estate was built in 1932/34 for Council tenants. More recent development has been nearer to the ring road. Since 1980 many houses have been sold under the right to buy scheme, some of which have been improved and extended.
This is a well-planned estate of mainly two-storey houses consistent in style, decoration, and brickwork, grouped in terraces of four or six. There are small front gardens (now reduced by off-road parking for cars) and access to back gardens, often through an alleyway by the side of houses.
The streetscape is generally pleasant with some on-street trees as well as small public spaces at street corners. Wren Road has views of the recreation grounds next to the River Cherwell and the open fields beyond.
The more recent development next to the Ring Road is dominated by rather large blocks of flats. These are surrounded by communal gardens providing welcome play areas. The noise of the ring road is a major disadvantage.
A real benefit to the area is its closeness to recreation grounds, fields and views of the Cherwell and the country beyond. There is a convenient footbridge over the ring road to the well-equipped Cutteslowe Park.
The Cutteslowe Primary School, the Children’s Centre and the Community Centre are bright and attractive hubs in the area. They are well placed next to the footbridge over the ring road and the recreation grounds. In addition there is a tunnel under the ring road.
History
This development must have been very welcome in the 1930s since it provided the affordable housing now so desperately lacking in Summertown. At the time it was felt necessary to separate the Cutteslowe estate by a wall from the adjoining private estate. A rather shameful bit of history which was only corrected in 1959.
Issues
– The Cutteslowe area is a distinct housing and community area in Summertown where housing is somewhat less expensive than in other parts of Summertown. It is the only part of the NPA where housing is relatively affordable
– In contrast to most of Summertown, access to public transport is poor – which is unacceptable in an area requiring good connections to general facilities and services
– A number of houses are now in multiple occupation which can create issues within the community
Assets
– This area provides a healthy balance to the otherwise prohibitively expensive NF Area.
– The 1930s architectural style of the area
– Access to major green spaces
– Cutteslowe Community Centre
– Cutteslowe Children’s Centre
– Cutteslowe Primary School (the only one in Summertown)
Guidance for new development
– The basic 1930s architectural form, in terms of the scale and design of the Cuttleslowe estate, should be protected. Any new development should respect this form
– Every attempt must be made to protect the affordability of housing in the area
– Protection of front gardens to safeguard the open leafy character
– Awareness that Cutteslowe residents need access to affordable facilities
Download this Character Assessment as a pdf
Download the original volunteer written character assessment as a pdf: Cutteslowe
