Progressing to later stages with fresh planning submission: Graven Hill
The Graven Hill Village Development Company has recently submitted a new planning application for the final phases of the UK's largest self-build and custom-build community. This application, currently under review by Cherwell District Council, aims to guide future growth with a balance of flexibility, character, and community-focused design.
Key Details of the Application
The new planning application is a hybrid application for 1,329 homes, covering the remainder of the residential development at this site. While the exact acreage of green spaces is not specified in the searched documents, the application includes updates to the overall Masterplan, which traditionally incorporates green and open spaces to balance residential areas.
The application includes essential infrastructure, though many details are indicative at this stage due to it being primarily an outline application. There is notable concern and discussion about the substantial increase in unadopted roads included in the plan.
The Revised Design Code
A new Stage 2 Design Code has been submitted with the application, which defines the architectural and development parameters to guide the build process. This design code ensures cohesion across the custom and self-build homes while allowing some degree of personalisation within limits to maintain a unified appearance. The design code aims to support a cohesive community feel while offering flexibility in home design, balancing bespoke homes with site-wide standards.
The revised design code includes designated areas for bins, bike storage, and parking squares to preserve attractive streetscapes. It also promotes varied rooflines, controlled terrace lengths, and landmark placements in character areas and landmarks. Moreover, the new Design Code includes woodland parks, linear swales, rain gardens, and the reintroduction of the "southern green finger" with its prominent oak tree as green infrastructure.
Enhanced Green Spaces and Biodiversity
The updated planning application includes more play areas and new pocket parks, as well as biodiversity features to support the site's net gain strategy. The application also includes full planning permission for 64 new homes south of Anniversary Avenue East, with detailed access, landscaping, and layout. Notably, the outline portion of the planning application reserves all matters except access.
Community Involvement
The process includes opportunities for community feedback and further refinement, with the Graven Hill Residents Association actively reviewing and inviting comments on the application. The custom build approach at Graven Hill encourages self-builders to personalise homes within the design code framework, supporting individualisation in internal layout and finishes while maintaining external consistency.
To explore the detailed technical plans and design code, the full planning application documents including the Stage 2 Design Code and Design & Access Statement are publicly accessible via the Cherwell District Council planning register.
For more information, please visit the Graven Hill website or contact the Graven Hill Village Development Company.
- The new planning application from the Graven Hill Village Development Company encompasses ideas for the final stages of the UK's largest self-build and custom-build community, focusing on planning, design, and community-focused principles.
- The application aims to guide future development with a revised Design Code, ensuring cohesion in the architectural and development parameters, while allowing some degree of personalization to build homes.
- key features in the revised Design Code include designated spaces for bins, bike storage, parking, varied rooflines, controlled terrace lengths, and landmark placements, along with green infrastructure like woodland parks, linear swales, rain gardens, and the reintroduction of the "southern green finger".
- The planning application also includes enhancements for green spaces and biodiversity, featuring more play areas, new pocket parks, and biodiversity elements to support the net gain strategy.
- Finance is an essential aspect of the development, as the application includes full planning permission for 64 new homes, while the outline portion of the planning application reserves all matters except access for further discussion and financing.
- Investors and self-builders interested in the housing-market and real-estate opportunities at Graven Hill can access details through the Graven Hill website or contact the Graven Hill Village Development Company, with opportunities for community feedback to ensure a balanced and enjoyable living environment.
