Brownfield site set to become 26 affordable homes

The Deerfields Farm scheme in Bodicote will provide 26 homes to help meet the demand for local housing in the area. By bringing previously developed land back into use, the scheme will give the brownfield site a new purpose and help to reduce pressure to build on green spaces.

Stonewater, one of the UK’s leading housing providers, is delivering the site in partnership with South Midlands-based developer Snowdon Homes, along with support from Baily Garner and Thornton-Firkin.

It will consist of 21 homes for social rent, across two-, three- and four-bedroom houses. The remaining five homes will be available through shared ownership and will include two-, three- and four-bedroom options. 

The name ‘Deerfields Farm’ reflects the history of the site, having previously been used as farmland. Bodicote also has a rich archaeological history, with previous excavations elsewhere in the village uncovering evidence of a Middle Iron Age farmstead and more than 200 pits, believed to have been used for grain storage. 

Arthur Gottt, Head of Development (Central) at Stonewater, said: "It’s exciting to be expanding Stonewater's presence in Bodicote with the start of work at Deerfields Farm, building on our investment in the village and our commitment to providing affordable homes for local people. 

"We know there is strong demand for affordable housing across North Oxfordshire, and this scheme represents an important step in helping more people access a safe, secure home close to family, work and local amenities."

All homes will feature energy-saving measures including air source heat pumps, solar panels and electric vehicle charging points, helping customers reduce their energy bills and supporting Stonewater’s ambitions for low-carbon affordable housing. 

The development will also include open green space for residents to enjoy and a bespoke artwork will be commissioned for the scheme, in line with Stonewater’s public art initiative.

John Leydon, Group Managing Director at Snowdon Homes, said, “We’re delighted to have recently commenced work at Deerfields Farm and to be delivering this new development in partnership with Stonewater. Breaking ground marks an important milestone for the scheme and we look forward to working closely with Stonewater and the wider project team as construction progresses.”

The homes have been made possible through the Social and Affordable Homes Programme (SAHP) funding from Homes England. In August, Stonewater was successful in receiving £350 million in the latest SAHP funding allocation, which will enable the provision of 2,348 new affordable homes over 10 years, many of which will be in rural communities like Bodicote.