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.