Construction has started on a new development of 80 affordable homes on land west of Mill Lane in Old Marston, Oxford.

The scheme will deliver a mix of housing options, including 32 homes for rent and 48 available through shared ownership, as part of efforts to address housing demand in the city.

The project is being delivered by OX Place, Oxford City Council's housing company, with designs by BM3 Architects and construction led by Howarth Contractors Limited. The development will include a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments alongside two-, three- and four-bedroom houses.

Designed to reflect the rural character of Old Marston, the homes will feature light brick and stone façades, tiled roofs and timber detailing, drawing on the architectural style of the surrounding conservation area. Landscaping will include front gardens bordered by low stone walls and hedgerows, along with cottage-style planting to help integrate the development into the village setting.

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The scheme also includes a network of streets and green infrastructure inspired by traditional village lanes, with new pedestrian and cycle links connecting to nearby routes, including Cumberlege Close and existing public rights of way.

A village green will be created along the western edge of the site, providing public open space with countryside views and natural play areas for residents and the wider community.

Sustainability measures have been incorporated into the design, including a fabric-first approach to reduce energy demand. Homes will feature high levels of insulation, solar photovoltaic panels and air source heat pumps, with apartments using heat pumps for hot water.

The development will also include sustainable drainage systems such as an attenuation pond, permeable paving and swales to manage surface water and improve resilience to extreme weather. Biodiversity enhancements will include wildflower meadows, flowering lawns and wetland habitats.

Construction is expected to take just over two years, with the homes due to be completed towards the end of 2028.