In October 2022, Bellway Strategic Land acquired the land from Christ Church, which has been identified for development in the 2020 Partial Review of the Cherwell Local Plan.

From 2021, Christ Church carried out considerable engagement and consultation to better understand the site and to seek input into its vision and principles for development. Bellway has been committed to taking this work forward to deliver the best possible scheme and is continuing to work closely with Christ Church throughout this process.

A public consultation on the proposals took place between 7th December 2022 and 20th January 2023. Under the proposals, half of the homes would be sold to private buyers on the open market, with the other half being affordable with a variety of different tenures, including the potential for first homes, social/affordable rent and shared ownership properties.

The proposed development is also set to deliver a primary school, a local centre and green infrastructure, including an extension to Cuttleslowe Park to provide public open space and multi-use play areas.

Fergus Thomas, Strategic Land Director (Central) at Bellway, said: “As a quality home builder with a heritage spanning more than 70 years, Bellway is well placed to deliver this landmark development and create a community we can all be proud of.

“As we embark on the next stages of the planning process, we are working closely with the community to ensure this new neighbourhood delivers on the requirements of the Local Plan allocation.

“The proposed affordable housing allocation of 50 per cent is significantly higher than the level provided at most new developments and reflects the particular demand for high-quality affordable homes in Oxford and the surrounding areas.

“The affordable homes are planned to be low-cost rental properties for people unable to afford prices in the private rented sector, along with a selection of first and shared ownership homes for those who want to take their first steps towards homeownership but are not yet in a position to buy outright.

“Bellway’s sustainable approach to development runs through every aspect of our business and this will be evident as we finalise our proposals for Water Eaton. We look forward to creating a thriving new neighbourhood and delivering much needed private and affordable homes to support the significant unmet need in Oxford.”

Plans for the development also include creating a new section of a segregated pedestrian and cycle superhighway to connect Kidlington and Oxford city centre.

Fergus said: “We are seeking to create a sustainable development which would become a positive addition to the local environment.

“The idea is to promote a healthy lifestyle, with an emphasis on walking and cycling rather than the use of vehicles.

“Our aim is to produce a high-quality scheme which takes full account of the site’s setting, including the planting of native trees to deliver biodiversity net gain.”

For more information about the homes being delivered by Bellway in the region, contact a member of the team.