The future of sustainable housebuilding in Oxfordshire was the focus of a visit by Didcot and Wantage MP Olly Glover to the Greencore Homes development at Milton Heights, where 42 Better Than Net Zero homes are being built on a former brownfield site.
During the visit to The Canopies, Mr Glover met with Greencore Homes’ senior leadership to discuss the role that energy-efficient housing can play in supporting Oxfordshire’s growing communities alongside continued investment in local infrastructure.
The development has been designed to deliver homes that exceed net zero operational performance, with each property targeting an EPC A rating. Features include extensive rooftop solar panels and construction methods intended to reduce household energy consumption while improving indoor comfort and air quality.
Speaking after the visit, Olly Glover said communities needed new housing that was both well designed and environmentally responsible.
“We need to build the homes our communities need, but we must also ensure they’re well designed, energy efficient and supported by the right infrastructure,” he said.
He described the development as an example of innovative construction aimed at reducing household energy costs while supporting the UK’s wider environmental ambitions.
The Canopies forms part of the continuing regeneration of a former brownfield site at Milton Heights. In addition to new homes, the scheme incorporates woodland walks, hedgerows and green corridors intended to increase biodiversity while providing accessible green spaces for residents.
Greencore Homes says the neighbourhood has been planned around the principle of integrating homes with nature, with landscaping designed to support wildlife as well as encouraging walking and outdoor recreation.
Jon Di-Stefano, Chief Executive of Greencore Homes, said the visit provided an opportunity to demonstrate how sustainable housing could help meet Oxfordshire’s future housing needs while reducing environmental impact.
He said the company remained focused on delivering high-quality, energy-efficient homes alongside a range of affordable home ownership opportunities for local buyers.
Located close to Didcot Parkway railway station, the development benefits from connections to Oxford, Reading and London, reflecting the continuing growth of the Science Vale area as demand for new housing across southern Oxfordshire continues to increase.
The Canopies will comprise 42 homes, including both private sale and affordable housing options, as part of the wider ambition to regenerate previously developed land while delivering more environmentally sustainable communities.
