Residents enjoy first christmas in long Hanborough’s affordable homes
A young family was among the first residents to spend Christmas in their new home at Long Hanborough, as part of Blenheim’s affordable housing scheme in partnership with West Oxfordshire District Council.
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.
Seven 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.
Additional Information
All applicants must have been assessed to be in need of affordable housing and be registered on the Homeseeker Plus website – www.homeseekerplus.co.uk – for more details, including how to apply, visit: www.westoxon.gov.uk/blenheim.
More in Residential Property
Welcome to B4, Grainger
Graingerplc is the UK’s largest listed residential landlord and leader in the fast-growing build-to-rent sector, providing c.11,100 rental homes to over 25,000 customers and are delighted to soon be launching its very first development in Oxford, The Kimmeridge.
New public park and street to unlock new homes at Oxford...
The reserved matters application (RMA) for Oxford North’s Canalside new public park and residential street, made by Thomas White Oxford, the development company of St John’s College, has been resolved to be approved by Oxford City Council’s planning committee at a meeting held on Tuesday 16 August 2022.
Shared Ownership Scheme Offers Hope for Local Home Seekers
Blenheim Estate’s shared ownership scheme at Park View, Woodstock is offering local people an affordable way to buy their own property and stay in the area.
From this author
Experience ‘Life Below Stairs’ at Blenheim Palace: all-new visitor experience unveiled
From 29th March, step into history as Blenheim Palace unveils ‘Life Below Stairs’ – a groundbreaking new visitor experience that brings the hidden world of Victorian service to life like never before. The experience is set within some of the original working kitchens, open to visitors for the very first time.
Christmas and 2026 group bookings announced at Blenheim Palace with trade pricing...
Blenheim Palace is delighted to announce the highly-anticipated theme of Christmas at Blenheim for 2025 – Palace of Oz where groups can enjoy an enchanting festive experience with exclusive trade pricing.
Britain’s Greatest Palace like you’ve never seen it before: Blenheim Palace announces...
Blenheim Palace has announced a series of once-in-a-lifetime views and visitor experiences which will only be available for a limited time due to the launch of its most ambitious restoration project to date.