BICESTER is set for television stardom as the man behind Channel 4’s Grand Designs heads is headed to Graven Hill.

In a six-part documentary, presenter Kevin McCloud will explore the first 10 self-build homes created at the site near the town.

The land, sold off by the Ministry of Defence to Cherwell District Council, will become the largest self-build scheme in the UK once complete, with 1,900 homes.

Mr McCloud said: “For decades self-build in Britain has been the preserve of the relatively wealthy and empowered.

"What’s happening at Graven Hill is a self-build revolution that will make the custom-designed home accessible to everyone.”

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The My Grand Design programme will follow 10 people as they design and build their own homes from scratch.

Mr McCloud said: “Individual households and self-build groups will be working alongside each other, constructing their homes with the help of contractors and experts, and building a new community as they do so.

“We can become a nation of grand designers; great, sustainable architecture can be the preserve of everyone.”

Outline plans for the 187-hectare site, about three miles from junction 9 of the M40, include up to 1,900 self-build homes, a pub, primary school, shops and pace for up to 2,000 jobs.

Cherwell District Council says “hundreds” of people have registered an interest in the self-build scheme.

District council leader Barry Wood said: “Kevin McCloud has become a household name for his championing of self-build and we are delighted to welcome him to Graven Hill to document the delivery of the first 10 homes."

He added: “This development will not just be historic for Bicester, but in the world of self-build where it will be recognised as the largest self-build scheme ever delivered in the UK.

Mr McCloud’s company, HAB Housing, has been involved in several projects in Oxfordshire, such as redevelopment of Cowley Community Centre, in Barns Road.

Work started on the project to build 40 flats and community rooms in September after months of delays due to planning issues and problems over building costs.

The presenter’s company also has planning permission for 21 flats and 47 homes in Northway and is seeking to build six luxury homes in Cumnor Hill.

Contact mygranddesign@boundless productions.tv