Work is underway underway in Hornton on a new affordable housing development.
Cherwell District Council, Oxford Citizens Housing Association, Hornton Parish Council and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) have worked together to make sure that the housing needs of local people are being met. The scheme has been funded from HCA national grant, Green Square borrowing (see "Notes for editors), and grant from Cherwell District Council.
Councillor Michael Gibbard, Cherwell District Council's portfolio holder for planning and housing said: "Local people have told us what housing need exists in the parish, and this scheme goes some way to meeting this."
Councillor Gibbard added: "I would like to thank the parish council for their support and for the local knowledge and understanding they have brought - qualities that have helped ensure this development is suited to the needs of local residents. And the HCA have shown their commitment to and confidence in Cherwell District Council by providing funding - this is hugely appreciated."
Jon Cater, clerk to Hornton Parish Council, said: "This project has been a joint effort. Green Square has spoken to everyone concerned, with nothing being too much trouble. Flexibility has meant we are able to use local builders to do the preliminary work, freeing up the developers, Leadbitters, to start work on the properties."
Mr Cater added: "The design is excellent, with the new units being faced with Hornton stone in keeping with the rest of the village. We' pleased that work has started and keen to see the final result."
The properties will consist of a 3-bed house and three 2-bed houses. These are future-proofed for growing families - the attic space is already structurally prepared for a further bedroom and there is space enough for stairs to it. They are due to e complete in June 2011 and will be available to rent by Oxford Citizens Housing Association to those on the Cherwell District Council waiting list with strong local connections.
