Developments continue at Graven Hill as a fresh planning application is submitted for the project's final phases.
In a significant development, Graven Hill, the UK's largest self- and custom-build community, has submitted a new planning application for its final phases. This application, submitted in 2025, proposes full planning permission for 64 homes and outline permission for up to 1,329 additional self- and custom-build homes, totalling around 1,393 new dwellings [1][2][3].
The application includes detailed plans for infrastructure, green spaces, a pub/restaurant, an extra care facility, parking areas, allotments, and publicly accessible open spaces [1][3]. The proposed homes, located south of Anniversary Avenue East, will feature full planning permission with detailed access, landscaping, and layout [1][3].
A key feature of this application is the revised Design Code, which has been developed through extensive local consultation, involvement from Create Streets, and an independent Design Review Panel [1][3][5]. This code guides future development with a focus on flexibility, character, and community cohesion while setting parameters that allow individual self-builders to personalise homes within agreed standards [1][3][5].
The hybrid planning application approach means that some parts have full detailed planning approval (64 homes), while the majority remains outline, setting development principles but allowing detailed design decisions to come later in reserved matters applications—especially important for the self-build plots [1][3][5].
The new Design Code covers eight street types with specific characteristics, promoting visual identity through character areas and landmarks [1][3]. The plans also aim to provide a clearer long-term view while maintaining flexibility for future development [1][3].
Two major rounds of public consultation were held between late 2022 and late 2024, ensuring resident and partner input in the application [1][3]. Adrian Unitt, Managing Director of GHVDC, has commented on the application, stating it reflects resident and partner input [1][3].
The outline permission for up to 1,329 new self-and custom-build homes, a pub/restaurant, an extra care facility, allotments, and public open space has also been requested, with all matters reserved except access [1][3]. This approach allows for future Reserved Matters applications to provide plot-by-plot details for self-builders and developers.
The planning application is currently under review by Cherwell District Council. This application represents the final phases of the UK's largest self- and custom-build community, emphasising community input, sustainable infrastructure, green spaces, and flexible but well-managed design parameters to guide future growth [1][3][5].
[1] Graven Hill Planning Application (2025) - https://www.gravenhill.co.uk/planning-application [2] Cherwell District Council Planning Application - https://www.cherwell.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-applications/search-for-applications/ [3] Graven Hill Design Code - https://www.gravenhill.co.uk/design-code [4] Create Streets - https://createstreets.org/ [5] Graven Hill Stage 2 Planning Documents - https://www.gravenhill.co.uk/planning-documents
- The new planning application for Graven Hill's final phases includes a proposal for a storage area, such as allotments, to encourage community growth.
- The revised Design Code, developed through extensive local consultation, serves as a guide for future home design, ensuring flexibility, character, and community cohesion.
- Sports enthusiasts might look forward to the proposed pub/restaurant, which is a part of the planning application for Graven Hill's upcoming stages.
- As the plans for building new homes unfold, the focus remains on maintaining sustainable infrastructure, green spaces, and adhering to the agreed design parameters to ensure well-planned home ideas.
