Solihull-based Terra has submitted a Full Planning Application for 40 affordable homes with extensive landscaping and Public Open Space, located 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 is 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. The UK’s largest RAF base – Brize Norton – is a major employer for the area, and located only a 10-minute drive away.
Terra has undertaken pre-application discussions with West Oxfordshire District Council. Two public consultation events also took place in the village during February and March 2022 to gather feedback from local people about the proposals.
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, to reflect the low density of the traditional village. The site is currently unused pasture land.
The detailed plans and supporting Design and Access Statement have been produced by BHB Architects. The development opportunity was introduced to Terra by Wantage-based Green & Co Estate Agents, acting on behalf of the landowner.
Terra’s proposals are for three two-bedroom bungalows, 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, to create an interesting and varied streetscape. Features such as brick corbelled eaves, brick chimneys, and slate-effect roof tiles will be used to match with nearby traditional dwellings.
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.
The village of Aston is served by a range of amenities, including a public house, place of worship, village hall, community shop, pottery shop and tea room, primary school, and bus stops. There is a bus route on Cote Road – within moments of the development land – which provides services to the neighbouring villages, and the towns of Carterton and Witney.
Terra is an experienced residential land specialist, which enters into agreements with landowners and then pursues, funds and secures an agreeable planning permission. It also has the financial resources to secure land with or without residential planning consent to assist landowners looking for a quick sale process.
Terra has a national reach, having recently secured residential land in Bedfordshire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Somerset, Warwickshire, The West Midlands, Wiltshire and Worcestershire. Terra currently controls 21 sites, with circa 830 acres of residential land that is capable of delivering 4,300 new homes.