4 March 2014
The multi-million pound purchase of a 187 hectare site near Bicester by Cherwell District Council could lead to as many as 1900 self build homes in the first UK community of its type.
{TEASER}
Graven Hill has received planning approval for the project and construction is due to begin in 2015.
Cllr Barry Wood, leader of Cherwell District Council, said: “The decision to approve the purchase of Graven Hill will be of historical significance to this council as it represents the ability to control a strategic piece of land which will expedite the delivery of housing. It also signifies the first stage in delivering the country’s first self-build community which will benefit thousands of families for decades to come.
“This is the first ever large scale project of its kind in the UK, trailblazing a new way of customising homes and empowering communities. For many, the fantasy of building a dream home can now become a reality and we are looking forward to leading this pioneering development.
“So many people dream of building their own home but are often put off by the complicated process and difficulty in finding a suitable plot of land. However the Graven Hill Self Build scheme makes the process easier as Cherwell has done the hard part by finding the land; all people have to do now is start deciding how they want to use it.”
In addition to the new homes, planning includes commercial space, a primary school, pub/restaurant and a small number of local shops. More than half of the site will be set aside for community woodland with public access, parks and open spaces.
The self-build concept will be delivered in various forms as councillors are keen to meet the needs and budgets of all future residents. This will include kit homes which are purchased from catalogues, watertight shells, group/ community self-build schemes and custom build projects where the owner designs the property but employs contractors to build it.
The properties will vary in size and design according to the residents’ needs but are likely to include detached, semi-detached and terraced homes of differing sizes, apartment blocks and bungalows. They will be available on a range of tenures including outright ownership, shared ownership and renting, with 30 per cent of the homes being classed as affordable.
For information on the Graven Hill project, or to register an interest, call Helen Town on 01295 221615 or visit www.gravenhill.org.uk
