Application to expand major Oxfordshire development

The builder behind the Wellington Gate development between Grove and Wantage has submitted its application to bring a further 600 homes to the area.

Persimmon Homes Wessex is seeking outline planning application to bring up to 624 high-quality, new homes to land north-west of Grove, which will be adjacent to its existing site.

The proposed scheme includes infrastructure for a number of community uses, including allotments, youth play areas, public open space, and the expansion of Grove Cemetery.

Plans also include expanding the primary education offer at Wellington Gate and equipped play areas, making the development even more family friendly.

The application was initially submitted in 2020 but has been amended following close engagement between the housebuilder and local authorities, making changes to accommodate local ambitions.

As part of a significant community contribution, 35% of the homes are proposed to be transferred to a housing association partner for the purposes of affordable and social provision. This will help alleviate pressure on the 2,000-storng Vale of White Horse District Council’s housing waiting list.

Details on financial contributions the developer would make to local services will be agreed during the application process and, should the application be given the green light, further detailed applications will be submitted in future.

The five-star builder has two, three, and four-bed homes for sale at its Wellington Gate site in Grove, Wantage from £284,995. Persimmon recently held a consultation event for what the community would like from the local hub the developer will be delivering on-site.

Commenting on the submission, Persimmon Homes Wessex’s deputy managing director, Seb Spiller, said:

“Persimmon is very proud of the progress we have made at Wellington Gate and are delighted that our presence is bringing infrastructure to the community and opening up the dream of home ownership to so many local people.

“So, we are delighted to have submitted this outline application to bring hundreds of more high-quality, low-cost homes to Wantage and Grove, especially after working closely with the Vale of White Horse District Council and Grove Parish Council to make amendments to the plan.”