2026 Speedwell House planning application consultation

Oxfordshire County Council is planning to refurbish Speedwell House, where we will be moving to from County Hall. Please download and read the consultation document on this page, which explains the proposals in full, before sharing your views in our short survey.

This consultation is being carried out to inform the content of the final planning application for Speedwell House. Once submitted, the full planning application will be available on the county council planning portal and you will be able to have your say as part of the planning process.

What we are proposing

We are refurbishing the existing Speedwell House to create a modern, flexible building for council staff, councillors and the wider community. The proposals include:

• a new external public space in place of most of the existing car park
• improved access into and around the building
• a welcoming reception area with space for visitors and a mobile coffee bar
• flexible meeting and office space to support hybrid working and community use

This investment aims to bring more activity into the area and breathe new life into the neighbourhood.

What's changed since last year

In March 2025, we asked for your feedback on our initial proposals. Since then, site investigations identified evidence of archaeological remains within the site. Because of this, we have reviewed and updated our plans, in order to avoid disturbing the archaeology.

Key changes to the initial proposals

• building extensions removed and development changed to refurbishment of existing building
• the café has been changed to a mobile coffee bar in the public reception space
• the coroner’s court will move to another site, with location to be confirmed

What stays the same

• accessible office space for council staff
• flexible meeting and conference facilities for council meetings and community use
• a focus on sustainability and reusing existing building materials

Have your say
Please review the consultation document available on this page. It includes information on:

• the building refurbishment
• the new public space
• how the building will be used
• sustainability and environmental improvements

Once you have downloaded and read the consultation document, please share your views by completing the online survey.

What happens next

After the consultation closes:

• survey feedback will be reviewed and where relevant may inform updates to the proposals
• we will finalise the proposals to form the planning application

Once submitted, the full planning application will be available on the county council planning portal.