Homes England to invest £17.3m to support housing development in Oxfordshire
In a major boost to Oxfordshire’s housing market and overall connectivity, Homes England has announced a Grant Funding Agreement (GFA) with Oxfordshire County Council, earmarking £17.3 million towards the A34 Lodge Hill Interchange scheme. This significant investment is set to catalyze the development of 820 new homes in the north Abingdon area, part of the wider Abbey Fields development initiative, which had previously been stalled due to infrastructure constraints.
Vale of White Horse District Council had initially greenlit the Abbey Fields site for approximately 950 dwellings. However, local road capacities had reached their limit, necessitating crucial upgrades to the existing Lodge Hill junction on the A34 before any further housing developments could proceed. Thanks to Homes England’s intervention, these essential infrastructure improvements are now set to move forward, paving the way for the construction of the remaining 820 homes.
The funding aims to expand the junction capacity at Lodge Hill, introducing new south-facing slip roads to the A34. This strategic addition will divert traffic away from the congested roads of Abingdon town center, thereby shortening journey times and improving overall road safety and efficiency. Notably, the current junction configuration only accommodates north-facing slip roads and is strategically situated between Abingdon and Oxford.
Pauline Schaffer, Director of Infrastructure Funding at Homes England, highlighted the collaborative spirit of the project, stating, “Our multimillion-pound funding will provide strategic transport infrastructure, unlocking 820 homes in north Abingdon and supporting wider housing and economic growth in the area.” She further emphasized Homes England’s commitment to partnering with local authorities to address housing needs through key infrastructure projects.
Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Development Strategy, underscored the project’s significance for local residents, noting, “The A34 Lodge Hill scheme will improve connectivity to and from the north of Abingdon, avoiding the town center and making it easier for people to choose walking, cycling, or taking public transport as part of their daily routine.”
Following the GFA, Oxfordshire County Council is set to collaborate with a chosen contractor for the design and construction of the scheme. With detailed design work commencing in March 2024 and construction expected to start in Summer 2024, the project marks a critical step forward in addressing the long-standing demand for improved infrastructure and housing in the area.
The partnership between Homes England and Oxfordshire County Council serves as a prime example of how strategic infrastructure investment can unlock significant housing development, enhancing both local connectivity and the availability of affordable homes. As construction progresses, the A34 Lodge Hill Interchange scheme is poised to not only alleviate traffic congestion but also to catalyze residential and economic growth in Oxfordshire, setting a precedent for future development projects.