MP Robert Courts Opens Blenheim Estate Homes’ New Development

Overlooking Blenheim, the East Woodstock site is the first undertaken by Blenheim Estate Homes to incorporate its legacy principles – recognising that long term landowners have a social, economic and moral responsibility to deliver developments of which its local community can be proud.

He was joined by local dignitaries including Cllr John Donaldson and OxLEP Chief Executive Nigel Tipple, along with representatives from West Oxfordshire and Cherwell District Councils, as well as Blenheim Palace’s Chief Executive Dominic Hare, Property Director and COO Roger File and the MD of Pye Homes, Graham Flint.

“Park View is a great example of how historic landowners like Blenheim can help to address the urgent need for new, high-quality and inclusive housing,” said Robert Courts.

“Blenheim Estate Homes’ commitment to building sensitively and creating developments which are genuinely part of their surrounding communities is a great example for others to follow and I was delighted to have the chance to officially open Park View,” He added.

“Blenheim’s solution to the problem posed by unaffordable housing through its unique partnership with West Oxfordshire District Council could be the template for many other authorities and landowners to follow and I welcome the introduction of much more affordable housing to this area. The market needs this kind of change and I encourage it.”

The initial build phase at Park View, consists of 46 one- and two-bedroom apartments as well as two, three, four and five-bedroom homes for sale.

Later phases, which will see homes available from Autumn 2020 will feature affordable homes in partnership with West Oxfordshire District Council, as well as shared ownership and lettings.

The entire development, which will include up to 300 new homes alongside plans for small businesses accommodation, is forecast to take between five and seven years to complete. Around 40% of the development will be affordable housing.

“We were delighted to welcome our local MP and Councillors and have the opportunity to showcase Park View,” said Dominic.

“As a major landowner, employer and global visitor attraction we have both a duty and an interest in helping to ensure our local communities are able to not only survive but thrive in the years to come,” he added.

Park View sets new standards with designs that integrate with the surrounding communities and blend with the wider world.

It also incorporates sustainable building and sourcing and has initiatives that both protect and enhance the local environment with the aim of ensuring the quality of life for future generations.

Property is an integral part of Blenheim’s 10-year development programme that includes tripling the Estate’s contribution to the local economy, deliver 300 truly affordable homes for local families and creating a £45m endowment fund to ensure the long-term future of the World Heritage Site which will be funded by these developments.