Harrow Estates, the strategic land and planning arm of Barratt Redrow, has completed the acquisition of a 300-acre site in Bicester, Oxfordshire.
The acquisition will pave the way for a development of up to 1,500 energy-efficient homes that will bring together all three Barratt Redrow brands – Redrow Homes, Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes on a single site.
Alongside the homes, the landscape-led development will have a strong emphasis on early environmental integration and placemaking.
The initial phase of the project will focus on establishing a 21-hectare nature conservation area, designed to safeguard and enhance local biodiversity while creating links to existing off-site nature habitats. This includes the relocation of great crested newts into newly created habitats, the formation of new ponds, realignment of Cutters Brook and the planting of a community orchard. The corridor either side of Cutters Brook will be enhanced and extended, becoming a focal point of the development’s green infrastructure and integrated into the wider conservation area.
The development will achieve a projected Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) well above current statutory requirements, and open spaces will be fully integrated with residential neighbourhoods, encouraging interaction with nature through connected wildlife corridors, footpaths, and cycle routes. A central destination play space, supported by additional neighbourhood play areas, will be designed with natural elements, ensuring the green infrastructure enhances both biodiversity and community well-being.
Outline planning permission for the site was secured in May 2022, followed by the approval of a comprehensive site-wide design code in 2024. Two phases will adopt the Heritage Arts & Crafts range delivered by Redrow, while the remaining phases will feature distinctive architectural styles from Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes. Together, these will create a varied and balanced community, catering to a wide range of buyers, from first-time homeowners to growing families and older residents.
At least 30% of the new homes in this community will be provided as affordable housing, including 70 dwellings specifically designed as an extra care facility to support older residents and those with additional needs. The development will also deliver a new primary school, a local centre with retail and community services, and land designated for commercial uses, ensuring a well-rounded and sustainable neighbourhood.
Steve Caldwell, development director at Harrow Estates, commented: “The purchase of this site represents a landmark moment for Harrow Estates and the wider Barratt Redrow Group. The site showcases how we can unlock complex land to create characterful, sustainable neighbourhoods that are shaped around nature from the outset. Early delivery of green infrastructure, including a significant nature conservation area and enhancement of the Cutters Brook corridor, is central to our vision and reflects a commitment to biodiversity and quality placemaking. Our longstanding relationship with the landowners and a clear, deliverable vision means we’re confident this development will be a flagship for the Group.”
Julian Larkin, group land director at Barratt Redrow, commented: “Securing this site is a major step forward in our commitment to delivering high-quality homes within a sustainable, nature-led environment. We’re focused on creating a thriving community that integrates green infrastructure and biodiversity from the outset, ensuring a positive and lasting impact for Bicester and its residents.”
Works on the nature conservation area and initial site infrastructure are scheduled to begin in 2027, with the first phase of homes to be delivered thereafter. In advance of this, Network Rail is expected imminently, to carry out repairs to the adjacent railway embankment located to the north of the site with completion of these expected in early 2026.
