Bellway Homes and Christ Church Oxford have secured outline planning permission for a major new sustainable community in Water Eaton on the edge of Oxford, with the application delivered by Savills on their behalf.
The consent establishes the principle for a mixed-use development of up to 800 homes, with 50 per cent allocated as affordable housing. The scheme also includes more than £24.6 million of investment in supporting infrastructure, such as a primary school, local centre and extensive public open space.
Located south of Oxford Parkway station in Cherwell District, the development has been designed with sustainability at its core. Plans include new pedestrian and cycle routes linking the site to Oxford and surrounding communities, alongside significant green infrastructure, play areas and enhanced public realm.
The proposals are expected to increase biodiversity across the site by more than 20 per cent and have been awarded Building with Nature design accreditation, recognising its environmental standards and approach to placemaking.
Paul Smits, Managing Director for Bellway Northern Home Counties, said the scheme has been designed to deliver long-term benefits for both residents and the environment.
He 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.”
Bellway Homes acquired the site from Christ Church Oxford in 2022. Savills has worked with both parties from the outset to shape proposals in consultation with the local community and key stakeholders. The outline planning application was submitted to Cherwell District Council in 2023.
Rob Linnell, Joint Head of Savills Central Planning, said the approval marks a significant milestone for the wider development of the area.
He said: “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.”
Savills is now supporting Bellway through a series of reserved matters applications, with the first submission expected before the end of May. Construction is due to begin before the end of 2026.
