Oxfordshire Community Land Trust (OCLT) has announced their success in securing funding for eight affordable apartments in Dean Court from the Vale of White Horse District Council (VOWHDC) and the Oxfordshire Growth Board. On March 24^th Vale of White Horse DC’s Full Council agreed to grant the sum of £304,000 to support the delivery of the project. OCLT also has support from the Oxfordshire Housing and Growth Deal fund for £600,000.

OCLT acquired the site in April 2019 and obtained planning consent in April 2020 to build five 1-bed flats and three 2-bed flats. OCLT’s objective is that these dwellings will be available for affordable rent (significantly lower than local market rents) in perpetuity. The flats will provide much needed homes to people on Vale’s Housing Register. Preference will be given to people with a connection to the local area, Dean Court, Cumnor Parish, and the immediately adjacent parishes in VOWHDC.

The buildings will reduce carbon emissions in comparison to other dwellings, provide thermal comfort, reduce energy bills, and achieve high energy performance ratings. The energy efficiency standards are supported by a grant of £9,750 from OxFutures.

The homes will be co-operatively managed by the residents, adding to the sense of community, and contributing to a well-managed and mutually supportive environment within which to live. Full training and support will be given to prospective tenants to enable them to manage the flats as a tenant co-operative. There will be a shared garden, a car sharing scheme, and a cycle park. In addition, professional Housing Management and Maintenance services will be provided by Soha (South Oxfordshire Housing Association), under a management and maintenance agreement with OCLT.

Work is due to start later this year.