Admiral Holland housing development in Banbury neighbourhood recognised in national awards

Work breathing life into the site of a disused pub has put a Bretch Hill housing scheme in the running for a national award. (Image from Cherwell District Council)

Cherwell District Council’s Build! team is a finalist in the 2021 Inside Housing awards.

The Admiral Holland development is being recognised in the best affordable housing development (under £5 million) category. The 14 energy-efficient homes were completed in 2020 with half offered for affordable rent and half for shared ownership.

Cllr Lynn Pratt, lead member for economy, regeneration and property, said: “The Admiral Holland site had been disused for some time, and our goal for this development was to create high quality affordable homes that feel safe, private and warm.

“There is a real focus on energy efficiency in their designs, with solar panels and high-quality insulation provided throughout. The approach is simple yet sophisticated. Sitting on the corner of a major roundabout, the homes improve the look and feel of the entrance to the estate, while offering peace and privacy to the families who live there.

“We are delighted that our ongoing work to regenerate key sites in Banbury has received this prestigious national recognition.”

The development is on a site allocated in Cherwell’s adopted Local Plan, the blueprint for new housing, infrastructure and employment space in the district. The project was supported by government funding from the Oxfordshire housing and growth deal.

Each property has its own private garden or balcony and there is ducting to allow charging points for electric cars to be installed in each allocated parking space. The rental properties are fully occupied and one of the market homes is still for sale.

To find out more about the Build! team’s work, visit www.cherwell.gov.uk/build