Property & Housing
Housebuilder hands over affordable homes at Valley Park in Didcot to local housing provider
The latest handover of affordable homes has been celebrated at Valley Park, one of largest residential developments in Didcot, marking another milestone in the creation of a new sustainable community for the Oxfordshire town.
Persimmon Homes Wessex marked the occasion on site alongside CBRE Investment Management (CBRE IM) and Pinnacle Group, the registered housing provider responsible for managing the tenancies. The event was also attended by the Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, Councillor Bethia Thomas.
The handover of 15 properties represents the final tranche of 59 affordable homes to be transferred during the first phase of development at Valley Park. All of the homes will be allocated to local people, helping to address housing waiting lists across the Vale.
Persimmon Homes Wessex has partnered with CBRE IM to deliver a total of 102 high-quality, sustainable affordable homes across two phases of the Valley Park development.
The latest milestone follows closely on from the start of construction work on a new three-form entry primary school on the site, which will include a nursery and community-use spaces. The school will be located adjacent to Common Park and the Local Centre, strengthening Valley Park’s role as a well-planned, family-friendly neighbourhood.
Once fully completed, the Valley Park development will provide 4,254 homes, two primary schools, a special educational needs school, local centres and sports facilities, creating a well-connected and sustainable new community in Didcot.
All Persimmon homes at Valley Park, including those transferred to registered housing providers, are being built with sustainability in mind. Features include air source heat pumps, electric vehicle charging points and solar panels, helping residents to reduce energy use and keep running costs low.
Councillor Bethia Thomas said: “I was pleased to visit the new homes in Valley Park and learn about the sustainable features which will help keep energy bills and running costs low for families.
“These homes will make a much-needed contribution to the availability of affordable housing in the Vale. I’m thrilled this major site with its new schools and community facilities will be home to thousands of local families for many years to come.”
John Gantlett, Land & Planning Director of Persimmon Homes Wessex, said: “Tackling the housing crisis requires a positive and collaborative approach,” while Pinnacle Group’s Oliver Miller described the handover as “an important milestone for the community.”
Anne Xu of CBRE IM added that Valley Park demonstrates how long-term partnerships can deliver “high-quality, sustainable affordable homes” that meet local needs.
Landlords from across West Oxfordshire gathered in significant numbers at a recent industry briefing designed to prepare property owners for the sweeping changes introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act.
Held at the Corn Exchange, the event attracted more than 120 attendees—more than double the turnout seen at previous landlord sessions—highlighting growing concern and interest around the evolving rental landscape.
Organised by Parkers Properties, the free session provided practical guidance on what is widely considered the most significant reform to the private rental sector in nearly 40 years.
Senior members of the Parkers team outlined key legislative changes set to take effect from May, including the transition to rolling tenancies, the abolition of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions, tighter regulation of rent increases, and new rules preventing discrimination against tenants, such as those with children or receiving benefits.
Landlords will also face stricter conditions around pet ownership in rental properties.
Alongside these changes comes an increased compliance burden. Enhanced documentation requirements and stronger enforcement powers for local authorities mean landlords must be more diligent than ever. Civil penalties for non-compliance will start at £7,000 and can rise to as much as £40,000.
The session also covered wider regulatory updates, including new energy efficiency requirements and the introduction of Making Tax Digital, which came into effect in April.
Following the presentation, attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with industry professionals, including solicitors, financial advisors and a representative from West Oxfordshire District Council, who provided additional insights and answered questions.
The strong turnout reflects the level of uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the new legislation, as well as the growing need for landlords to stay informed and prepared in an increasingly regulated market.
Downsizers looking to future-proof their housing choices are increasingly favouring retirement developments that provide dedicated guest accommodation, according to Cognatum.
For many older homeowners considering a move to retirement living, one of the main concerns is losing the spare room needed to host visiting friends and relatives.
Guest suites are helping to address that concern by offering separate on-site accommodation that allows residents to welcome visitors without sacrificing living space in their own homes.
Paul Adams, director of property at Cognatum, said:
“All the preparation, cleaning and making of beds is done to a hotel standard by the estate team; the resident simply has to book in the required dates.
“Guest suites can provide flexibility for changing life stages, from longer family visits to short-term stays by carers or companions following illness or surgery. Or simply for visiting friends and family.
“By removing the need for permanent spare bedrooms, residents are able to downsize the total floor area of a property, without compromising too heavily on living space. For many of our residents, downsizing feels like a lifestyle upgrade rather than a loss.
“Many family and friends will become regular visitors, so they get to know the other residents and are welcomed like a part of a much wider family.”
At The Rivus, one of Cognatum’s newest retirement estates in Wantage, the guest suite has become one of the most popular features among residents.
The accommodation has been designed for visiting family and friends and includes two beds, an en suite shower room, kitchenette facilities and refreshments, allowing guests to stay nearby while maintaining privacy and independence.
Jan Whitmore, whose sister and brother-in-law live at The Rivus, said:
“This beautifully appointed guest accommodation offered very comfortable twin beds, a kitchenette, and a bathroom, all within the main building, which made life very easy and practical when visiting my family at the Rivus. As guests we enjoyed all the benefits of the larger Rivus community, the joys of being together with loved ones, and guest suite privacy! A perfect combination.”
Mr Adams added:
“Visitors in our guest suites are of course welcome to use the shared areas of the estate, such as a pool, gym and extensive grounds. Simply having a drink or a coffee in a communal area, or joining in with social nights, brings benefits to the wider community of residents, adding interest, new conversations, and conviviality to the estate as a whole.
“It’s also a great opportunity for family and friends to gain an understanding of the resident’s lifestyle.”
Plans for a new burial ground for Oxford go before councillors on Wednesday (April 1) with a recommendation for approval.
Oxford City Council’s proposals to use 7.34 hectares of agricultural fields to the north of Oxford Road near Horspath for a new ‘burial meadow’ will be considered by South Oxfordshire District Council.
The city council is fast running out of space for burials but the new site can accommodate around, 5,000 graves.
The council expects an average of 120 burials per year which would enable the burial meadow to last for between 40 and 45 years.
A breakdown shows 40 per cent of the space will be for Muslim burials.
A new access off Oxford Road will be created for hearses but parking (other than the provision of three disabled bays) will only be available in a nearby council car park.
The team on the project includes The Environment Partnership on planning and landscape planning and Campbell Reith on transport.
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