Council progresses plans for 100% social rent homes in the heart of Witney
West Oxfordshire District Council has provided an update on its plans to deliver a new development of 100% social rent homes at Woodford Way in Witney, as work continues to refine the proposals ahead of public engagement later this year.
The Council is progressing a scheme on the Woodford Way car park site, which has long been allocated for housing in the Local Plan. The development aims to deliver homes for local people, particularly those in greatest need of stable and affordable accommodation.
There are a significant number of households on the Council’s housing waiting list, with a particular demand for one- and two-bedroom homes. Rising house prices, now around ten times average salaries, have made it increasingly difficult for many residents to access suitable housing locally.
Because the site is owned by the Council, it provides an opportunity to deliver 100% affordable homes for social rent, without the need to factor in developer profit. The scheme is expected to be supported through a combination of national funding and partnership investment.
Work to refine the design is ongoing, with the current option being developed comprising around 55 homes, including a mix of flats and maisonettes, with underground parking. The proposals are being shaped to balance housing need, design quality, and the town centre setting.
As part of this work, parking provision has been carefully considered. The current design includes 84 public parking spaces on site, alongside separate underground parking for residents. This reflects feedback received from the public and supports accessibility for the town centre.
Cllr Andy Graham, Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, said:
“We know there are strong views about this site, but we also have to be clear about the scale of housing need in our district. We hear of too many local people, particularly young people, that are struggling to find a home they can afford, and doing nothing is not an option.
“This is a rare opportunity to use Council-owned land, which has been designated for housing since 2018, and now can deliver 100% social rent homes for local people, in a sustainable town centre location.
Cllr Geoff Saul, Executive Member for Housing and Social Care:
“We are carefully refining the plans to make sure we strike the right balance between housing, parking and the needs of the wider town, but the need for genuinely affordable housing, particularly for social rent, is clear, and we have a responsibility to prioritise the needs of the younger generation.”
The Council has also reviewed parking provision across Witney as part of the project. There are more than 1,600 free public parking spaces across the town, and analysis shows that the nearby Marriotts Walk multi-storey car park remains consistently underused. On average, more than 230 spaces are available, providing capacity to accommodate changes at Woodford Way alongside other town centre parking.
Work is also ongoing to extend parking durations and overnight options to support workers, including those with out-of-hours needs.
An outline project timeline has been developed. Pre-application discussions are expected to take place in late spring 2026, with a planning application anticipated in summer 2026. Public engagement will form a key part of the process as the plans progress, expected to take place in summer 2026.
Cllr Graham added, “It’s a win-win for free parking, increased footfall in the town and most importantly, putting the right kind of homes in the right place.”
The Council has highlighted that bringing more residents into the town centre could also support local businesses by increasing footfall and activity.
Further updates will be shared as the scheme develops.