West Oxfordshire District Council has outlined progress on proposals for a 100% social rent housing scheme at Woodford Way in Witney, with designs being refined ahead of public consultation later in 2026.

The project focuses on the Woodford Way car park, which has long been allocated for housing in the Local Plan, and is intended to provide secure, affordable homes for local residents most in need.

The Council said there are many households on its waiting list, with strong demand for one- and two-bedroom properties. With average house prices around ten times typical salaries, securing suitable accommodation locally has become increasingly challenging for many.

Due to the land being Council-owned, the scheme can be brought forward as 100% affordable homes for social rent without needing to account for developer profit. Funding is expected to combine national grants with investment from partners.

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Design work is ongoing. The current option features around 55 homes—a mix of flats and maisonettes—with underground parking, and is being shaped to balance local housing need, high-quality design and the sensitive town centre setting.

Parking has been a key consideration. The latest plans include 84 on-site public spaces, in addition to separate underground parking for residents, reflecting community feedback and maintaining access to the town centre.

Cllr Andy Graham, Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, said: "We know there are strong views about this site, but we also have to be clear about the scale of housing need in our district. We hear of too many local people, particularly young people, that are struggling to find a home they can afford, and doing nothing is not an option.

"This is a rare opportunity to use Council-owned land, which has been designated for housing since 2018, and now can deliver 100% social rent homes for local people, in a sustainable town centre location."

A wider review of parking across Witney shows there are more than 1,600 free public spaces town-wide. The nearby Marriotts Walk multi-storey remains consistently underused, with on average over 230 spaces free, creating headroom to absorb changes at Woodford Way alongside other central parking options. The Council is also working on longer-stay and overnight options to support workers, including those with out-of-hours needs.

An outline timetable sets pre-application discussions for late spring 2026, with a planning application expected in summer 2026. Public engagement is planned for summer 2026 as a core part of the process.