Cala Homes to build 90 new homes at Chipping Norton site

The UK housebuilder has acquired the land in Oxfordshire, beating plenty of competition.

The land, known as Land South of Banbury Road, was granted outline planning permission in December 2023 by the West Oxfordshire District Council’s Uplands Planning Committee.

Richard Foxon, managing director of Newton LDP, said: "Bidding for this site was fiercely competitive with almost 20 bids received, seven of which were shortlisted.

"Despite the current economic climate, it demonstrates the high-quality nature of the scheme and the strong demand in this location."

The acquired land was previously owned by Rainier Developments Ltd, which acquired the site in 2018.

The strategic land promoter has been working with local stakeholders since then to ensure the proposals add real value to the community.

Grant Stevenson, planning director at Rainier Developments, said: "Cala Homes is a housebuilder with a strong pedigree, delivering quality new housing across the country.

"We’re delighted to be working with them as they provide new homes in this location".

The plan includes provisions for 40 per cent affordable housing and a sizeable new public open space.

The community will benefit from parkland and species-rich woodland.

Charles Rafferty, land director at Cala Homes, said: "We’re delighted to have worked closely with Rainier Developments and Newton LDP on the successful acquisition of this site.

"We look forward to working with the key local stakeholders in Chipping Norton and securing a reserved matters consent on this site".

The companies were able to promptly finalise the acquisition, exchanging contracts within four working weeks of negotiations and completing two weeks later.

Construction on the site is set to begin in early 2025.

Future homeowners can anticipate their new dwellings to be ready for sale by late 2025.