Solihull-based land and development specialist Terra has submitted a full planning application for 40 affordable homes in the West Oxfordshire village of Aston.
West Oxfordshire District Council has a current shortfall of 308 affordable homes, which the proposed scheme could help to alleviate.
The 2.1 ha (5.2 acres) site lies to the north of Cote Road, which is the main vehicular route through the village, connecting to the neighbouring villages of Bampton and Brighthampton.
The proposed scheme is five miles south of the historic market town of Witney.
Terra has undertaken pre-application discussions with West Oxfordshire District Council, with two public consultation events also taking place in the village during February and March 2022 to gather feedback from local people about the proposals.
‘Significantly add to housing mix’
Jordan Langdon-Bates, Land and Development director for Terra, said: “We are excited about the opportunity to create a quality family-orientated niche development in this picturesque village location.
“At last count, there were 87 households on the Housing Register who expressed a preference for accommodation within this Civil Parish.
“Meanwhile, the affordable housing shortfall across West Oxfordshire has been rising in recent years and currently stands at over 300 homes.
“Our proposals can deliver 40 much-needed homes to help to tackle this affordable housing crisis.
“Delivering this scheme will significantly add to the housing mix in the immediate area, while also providing high-quality green infrastructure across the site, including landscaping and public open space.
“Bird, bat, and insect boxes will be included within the plans, to provide a gain in biodiversity and natural habitat creation.
“We look forward to working alongside officers, councillors, and consultees while the application is being considered.”
The proposal will be accessed via Marsh Furlong, which is a new road created as part of a neighbouring development, recently delivered by Mears Homes and Sovereign Housing Association.
The proposed site density for Terra’s scheme is 19.5 dwellings per hectare – currently unused pasture land – to reflect the low density of the traditional village.
Terra’s proposals are for three two-bedroom bunglows, 10 two-bedroom homes, 17 three-bedroom houses, and four four-bedroom houses.
The home designs reflect the prevailing local materials of traditional houses within the village, with a mix of artificial and reconstituted stone.
Red brick and render detailing are also included in the design plans.
Features such as brick corbelled eaves, brick chimneys, and slate-effect roof tiles will be used to match with nearby traditional dwellings.
Environmental considerations
Green infrastructure accounts for approximately 40% of the total site area.
The development proposals include maintaining and enhancing existing trees and planting, and the creation of new native hedgerows.
A large attenuation pond has also been proposed to manage surface water drainage.
The site is at a very low risk of potential flooding, and it is not located within a Conservation Area.
Terra currently controls 21 sites, with circa 830 acres of residential land that is capable of delivering 4,300 new homes.
Image: CGI of the proposed development plans, located off Cote Lane, Aston, Oxfordshire
Read next: The Welsh housing association waging a war against poverty
Are you a social housing professional? Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to upload news stories, post job vacancies, and connect with colleagues on our secure social feed.
