Residents Enjoy First Christmas in Long Hanborough’s Affordable Homes

Janie Drinkwater, who has been on the housing waiting list since the summer of 2016, moved into her three-bedroom property along with her 10-year-old daughter Cora and 21-month-old son Logan.

Her property is among nearly 60 on the new development which Blenheim Estate, in partnership with West Oxfordshire District Council, is making available for either social-rent or shared ownership as part of its commitment to house at least 300 families in high quality affordable homes.

As part of the initiative, rental levels are being set at 60 per cent of the current market rate, enabling many more people to be able to afford to live locally.

“As soon as I saw the new homes were being built in Long Hanborough I put my name forward and was offered a house. I was so happy when I received the ‘phone call and I couldn’t wait to move,” said Janie.

“I am now living much nearer to my family and my boyfriend Christian and his family too. It’s really nice to be so close to them and have all the help I need with my children as it’s just a nice little five-minute walk there and back.

“I love my new house as it fits in so well with my children. They both now have their own rooms and a bigger and better garden to play in.

“We had an excellent Christmas with all our family nearby and did not have to drive everywhere like I did before when I lived in Witney,” she added.

Four homes are now occupied, with more homes available to move into over the coming weeks. A further 48 affordable homes will follow at the site later this year.

Priority is being given to local residents with urgent accommodation needs as well as key workers in areas such as the NHS, Police, Education, Local Authority and the Ministry of Defence as well as those working for Blenheim.

The initiative is part of Blenheim’s 10-year development programme that includes tripling the Estate’s contribution to the local economy and completing a £40m restoration programme of the World Heritage Site.