Chalgrove, Oxfordshire
Creating a distinct, future-ready market town of 3,400 homes in South Oxfordshire.
The vision and masterplan for Chalgrove is centred on the creation of a contemporary market town that combines homes, jobs, services and facilities expected of a thriving settlement, with the character and community spirit of a village. The proposals respond directly to the housing, health and economic challenges of the 21st century, while drawing on the rich tradition of South Oxfordshire’s historic towns.
Formerly an operational airfield, the site was declared surplus by the Ministry of Defence in 2016 and transferred to New Homes England. In early 2017, NEW masterplanning led a five-day Enquiry-by-Design process, bringing together local residents, stakeholders and technical specialists to collaboratively shape a mixed-use future for the site.
The vision and masterplan for Chalgrove is centred on the creation of a contemporary market town that combines homes, jobs, services and facilities expected of a thriving settlement, with the character and community spirit of a village. The proposals respond directly to the housing, health and economic challenges of the 21st century, while drawing on the rich tradition of South Oxfordshire’s historic towns.
Formerly an operational airfield, the site was declared surplus by the Ministry of Defence in 2016 and transferred to New Homes England. In early 2017, NEW masterplanning led a five-day Enquiry-by-Design process, bringing together local residents, stakeholders and technical specialists to collaboratively shape a mixed-use future for the site.
The site was subsequently identified as a Strategic Allocation in South Oxfordshire District Council’s Local Plan, helping to address significant housing need while retaining part of the airfield for the continued operation of Martin-Baker Aircraft. NEW masterplanning was later appointed by Homes England to prepare the masterplan in support of an outline planning application, including extensive public consultation and the production of a Design & Access Statement, Design Guide and Pattern Book.
The proposals include a new mixed-use settlement of approximately 3,400 new homes, with a wide range of housing types and a strong emphasis on affordability. Employment space will support existing and new businesses, alongside new education, health and community facilities. A central, south-facing market square forms the heart of the town, complemented by integrated green infrastructure, sustainable drainage, and improved connections to the surrounding countryside. Strategic transport and infrastructure interventions, including the realignment of the B480, ensure the development functions as a coherent, well-connected place while managing impacts on neighbouring communities.
The site was subsequently identified as a Strategic Allocation in South Oxfordshire District Council’s Local Plan, helping to address significant housing need while retaining part of the airfield for the continued operation of Martin-Baker Aircraft. NEW masterplanning was later appointed by Homes England to prepare the masterplan in support of an outline planning application, including extensive public consultation and the production of a Design & Access Statement, Design Guide and Pattern Book.
The proposals include a new mixed-use settlement of approximately 3,400 new homes, with a wide range of housing types and a strong emphasis on affordability. Employment space will support existing and new businesses, alongside new education, health and community facilities. A central, south-facing market square forms the heart of the town, complemented by integrated green infrastructure, sustainable drainage, and improved connections to the surrounding countryside. Strategic transport and infrastructure interventions, including the realignment of the B480, ensure the development functions as a coherent, well-connected place while managing impacts on neighbouring communities.
