Major plans for 42 net zero homes have been granted planning permission near Didcot. 

Designed by HTA Design, the approved plans at Milton Heights include a mix of 27 open market and 15 affordable homes located just under three miles from Didcot Parkway Station. 

New accessible green spaces will be provided for both new residents and local people. 

Greencore’s homes are built using an "innovative closed timber frame panel that is insulated with natural materials".

Developers say the the structure of each home locks up more carbon than it emits.

Designed and built to Passivhaus standards, the homes are highly insulated to ensure a low energy demand.

This low energy demand and the use of renewable energy sources allow all new Greencore homes to be net zero carbon in operation.

READ MORE: Oxford Post Office: Anger over plans to close city branch

CGI of new homes at Milton Heights (Image: HTA Design) Greencore Homes manufactures the timber panels at its Bicester factory and these are taken to site where the superstructure can be constructed in a few days.

The M&G-backed housebuilder acquired the five-acre site in February last year, as one of the initial steps in its ambitious goal to build 10,000 homes by 2035.

These new houses are anticipated to be completed in 2026.

Jon Di-Stefano, CEO of Greencore Homes, said: “The UK needs to build a lot more new homes but it also needs those homes to support and protect our climate as much as possible.

"New homes should be energy-efficient, reduce carbon used in construction and yet still deliver high quality, well designed places to live.

"Securing our planning approval for Milton Heights enables us to continue delivering for local communities on this national ambition.

“In the middle of a climate and housing crisis, our homes demonstrate that it is possible to provide places that are affordable, beautiful and climate positive. The development at Milton Heights is another step forward in our journey to building 10,000 homes by 2035.”

Simon Topliss, partner at HTA Design said: "This is a significant milestone in the delivery of a new climate positive neighbourhood that’s putting connection and community at the centre of its regenerative development. 

“Our design for Milton Heights puts the existing landscape and ecology first, to create a site framed by generous open spaces and new wooded connections.

"Through this, our proposal welcomes the surrounding community in, all while supporting a biodiverse and climate resilient future."

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About the author  

Toby is a senior reporter who has a particular interest in covering planning and local government. 

He joined in September 2024 having been a reporter at the Hampshire Chronicle for three years. 

Toby studied at the University of Brighton and can be found on X through the handle @JournoToby