Tilia Homes secures land deal to bring new homes to Oxfordshire

Housebuilder Tilia Homes Eastern has acquired more than 10 acres of land in Didcot, Oxfordshire, in a deal that will bring more than 80 new homes to the area.

Full planning permission has been granted by South Oxfordshire District Council for the land off Abingdon Road, which will help to meet the housing shortfall within the region.

Figures in the draft Oxford Local Plan* show the city needs 26,440 new properties to be built within the next 17 years. However, because of the city's boundaries, only 481 new homes are being built each year leaving a shortfall of 16,828 homes before 2040. Neighbouring districts have agreed to accommodate 14,300 of the new homes, which equates to 715 homes a year.

Tilia Homes Eastern has scheduled work to begin early next year on the site, which will be known as Foals Meadow, with a show home due to open in mid-2024.

The new development will provide 86 properties, of which around 40% will be designated affordable housing. The homes will include a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom properties plus one- and two-bedroom apartments.

Gareth Jacob, Regional Managing Director for Tilia Homes Eastern said: “Our aim is to build vibrant, cohesive communities where residents can thrive. Therefore, we are delighted to be bringing new homes to Didcot, especially as it is the first time we have built in this area.

“We know there is a housing shortage, and we are keen to meet local needs, especially for first-time buyers, who are the key to a healthy housing market. The region remains quite buoyant compared with the broader property market, particularly due to it having a strong employment base with car, motor racing, logistic and tech jobs helping to create stability for a region which has a strong economic background.

“Our ethos is to build the right homes, in the right areas for the right price and this new development certainly fulfils that. The town has a great identity and sits in a strong commuter belt with good access to Oxford, Wantage and Reading, so will appeal to a wide cross-section of buyers.

“The industry is in a constant state of flux and we have been fluid in responding to market forces, which includes adapting our standard house types. Through careful design revision, innovative layouts and a keen understanding of modern living requirements, we can provide a development that will meet local housing needs.

“Our mix of properties, including apartments and larger family homes, will suit all first-time buyer aspirations as well as second home buyers and downsizers.”

As well as bringing social and economic benefits to the region, Tilia Homes will also contribute £2.5million to the area, including supporting leisure facilities, early years, primary and secondary education, public transport and local highways.

Didcot, which is known for its railway heritage and power stations, is also the gateway town to the Science Vale, a renowned science, research and innovation-led hub in the surrounding villages of Milton, Culham and Harwell.