Bellway Homes has secured outline planning consent for a new residential community in Water Eaton, on the edge of Oxford.
The consent establishes the principle for a mixed-use scheme of up to 800 homes, 50% of which will be affordable, alongside a primary school, local centre and extensive public open space.
Bellway Homes acquired the site from Christ Church Oxford in 2022 and Savills worked closely with both parties to shape plans in consultation with the local community and key stakeholders. The outline planning application was submitted to Cherwell District Council in 2023.
Paul Smits, managing director for Bellway northern Home Counties, said: “This new community in Water Eaton has been designed to bring benefits to local residents and to the environment. This requires more than simply building homes. Our plans demonstrate how the foundations will be laid for a new neighbourhood featuring vast areas of parkland, orchards and play areas, a community area and school, as well as new housing, all connected by walkways and cycle paths to encourage green modes of travel.
“Wildlife habitats will be created and enhanced, while historic features such as the underground remains of historic barrows will be protected. The provision of up to 400 energy efficient affordable homes, as well as the significant financial support for local services, will deliver tangible benefits to people living in this part of Oxfordshire.”
Rob Linnell, joint head of Savills central planning, added: “We are hugely proud of our work on this flagship scheme for Bellway. Water Eaton occupies one of the most important gateway sites in Oxford, and the breadth and depth of our consultation with the community and stakeholders was a vital part of shaping the proposals, ensuring the creation of a new and sustainable community of the highest quality. The consent also represents a significant step forward for the delivery of new housing and infrastructure within Cherwell’s local plan framework.”
