A PIONEERING housing project aimed at helping people build their own homes has been heralded by a Government minister.

Cherwell District Council’s Build! scheme was praised as “innovative” by housing minister Grant Shapps.

The Conservative council’s programme aims to provide 250 homes in three years to help get people on the housing ladder.

Last month the council announced it is seeking land for new projects and wants to buy empty homes for people to renovate.

This will see the council provide support such as finding land and getting planning permission and financing work.

The homes will be available to buy on share ownership or to rent at 60 to 80 per cent of the market value.

Tory Mr Shapps said: “We are witnessing a self-build surge in this country, with more people than ever looking to construct their own home.”

He said the Government had aquired seven UK sites for such projects and will provide £30m support for others.

He said: “I would urge authorities across the country to look to Cherwell and the innovative work there as an exciting example of how this can be achieved.”

For information email Build@cherwell-dc.gov.uk