THE county’s only self-build site, Graven Hill, has been branded ‘the most exciting development’ in the country by Banbury MP Victoria Prentis.

The housing development being built on the southern edge of Bicester is expected to have up to 1,900 homes when finished.

It will be made up of a number of plots for people to build their own homes in line with the master plan, either from scratch or from various stages of the build process.

As constriction ploughs ahead the MP was given a guided tour on Friday to see the latest work.

Mrs Prentis, who also built her own home, said: “I always love coming to Graven Hill as one of the most exciting development sites anywhere in the country.

“The affordable housing I have seen today is really impressive, very well constructed, and it is great to see the close cross-team working going on between Graven Hill, Bromford and Sylva.

“I hope these gorgeous homes can be marketed well so they appeal to young working people and families in the local area.”

The latest homes, once complete, will be taken on by housing group Bromford which will sell 27 as affordable rented housing, and 32 for ‘shared ownership’ - where residents can buy a share whilst renting from Bromford.

The first occupiers are expected to move in by the end of the summer.

Elaine Walder, sales and marketing director for the Graven Hill Village Development Company, said: “We were pleased to welcome Victoria Prentis to see our partnership with Bromford firsthand and see the quality of the energy efficient, affordable housing being constructed here.

“Graven Hill is a village for all, be that aspiring self-builders or first-time buyers getting onto the property market through shared ownership.

“As we begin to see the first residents make the site their home, we look forward to the Graven Hill community growing and delivering further community infrastructure.”

Graven Hill is being built on land formerly owned by the Ministry of Defence but purchased by Cherwell District Council in 2014.

When complete, the estate will be the size of 300 football pitches and include a primary school, a village green, sports pitches, eight play areas, business area and a shopping area with a pub, café, and community centre.