Land to the north west of Bicester has been earmarked for an initial 393 homes, which builder Willmott Dixon Housing’s Hitchin office will deliver by 2017.
The complete development, set to be built over the next 20 years, will eventually include 6,000 homes.
Cherwell District Council confirmed developer A2 Dominion will start work on new access roads before builder Willmott Dixon begins housing construction in August on the initial Exemplar phase.
A2Dominion’s Group Chief Commercial Officer, John Knevett, said: “A2Dominion is proud to be at the forefront of the country’s first eco town.
“The Exemplar will include a primary school, community centre, eco pub and an eco-business and retail centre, creating a village feel and providing important social hubs.”
What sets the Exemplar phase apart
- It is the only eco development that adheres to the strict Planning Policy Statements (PPS1) originally set for eco towns
- As well as being true zero carbon, all homes will be built to Code for Sustainable Homes Level 5 incorporating triple glazing, rainwater harvesting and water recycling.
- Zero waste to landfill target during construction – only the London 2012 Olympics construction has achieved this.
- The development will retain 40% green space including community allotments to encourage outdoor lifestyles and nurture wildlife and biodiversity.
- Electricity generated from PV solar panels on every home, making it the UK’s largest residential solar array capable of generating enough power to supply 550 homes.
- Heat and hot water will come from a combined heat and power plant.
- High degree of sustainable travel with specially designed cycle and pedestrian routes, a bus service within 400m of every home with live timetable updates in each house. Charging points for electric vehicles and an electric car club.