COUNCILLORS have secured £19m in a successful bid to turn Bicester into a Garden Town.

It comes after Cherwell District Council put forward its case for government funding to help provide road improvements and 13,000 homes under the Garden City programme.

The announcement was made following the Chancellor’s autumn statement last Wednesday.

Cherwell leader Barry Wood said: “Our plan for Bicester is ambitious, but before we can deliver it we need to put in place the community and transport infrastructure to support it.

“We have been working closely with the Department for Communities and Local Government to ensure that our vision for a Bicester Garden Town is achievable and sustainable.

“The award of this funding is a vote of confidence not only in our ability to deliver but also in our ability, with additional government support, to accelerate that delivery and bring about a Garden Town that meets the needs and aspirations of its residents and businesses.”

Bicester was granted Garden Town status in December 2014.

Cherwell District Council had to “demonstrate ambition for growth” and be able to “provide affordable homes, school and jobs while preserving countryside”.

Plans for the town include 13,000 homes and 21,500 jobs – 10,000 of those homes will be built before 2031.

This includes 3,293 homes at North West Bicester’s eco town, 2,100 self-build homes at Graven Hill, 2,468 in South West Bicester, 1,500 in South East Bicester and 300 at Gavray Drive.

The local authority wants to spend £40m on roads and £50m on parks and public amenities.

It is looking at road improvements such as a new motorway junction south of junction 9.

Housing and Planning Minister Brandon Lewis said: “Bicester Garden Town is a great example of a scheme to build more much-needed homes for hard-working families and first-time buyers, and one that is being driven by the local community.

“I am delighted that we have provided £19m funding for community facilities and transport to help speed up making this new town a reality.”