The site is dominated by two large arable fields with pockets of woodland on the boundaries.  Where possible, the proposals will retain and protect all areas of hedgerows, trees and woodland. These areas have the highest ecological value within the Site and are most likely to benefit from biodiversity enrichment.

All new homes are designed to be thermally efficient employing ‘passivhaus’ measures and a ‘fabric-first’ approach, in order to reduce heat loss. There will also be a substantial amount of photovoltaic (solar) panels across the site and domestic heating systems will be based on air and/or ground-source heat pumps as appropriate. The new homes will therefore be low carbon, limiting their footprint on the environment.

Existing trees along the northern and eastern boundary will be retained including an important cluster of boundary trees which are adjacent to the conservation area. There are a handful of trees to the southern extents of the site, including a Category A oak tree which will be protected.

All of the new homes across the site will be fitted with electric vehicle charging points.

Cherwell District Council has declared a climate emergency and is putting in place policies to require all new buildings to be green, low carbon and energy efficient. Wates Developments is committed to supporting these principles through its proposals on Land South of Green Lane.

Across the organisation, Wates has committed to eliminating waste and carbon from its operations by 2025, well ahead of the Governments own environmental targets. The company has committed to three bold targets to help ensure it does zero harm to the environment:

Zero waste from Wates operations by 2025

Wates aims to reduce and then eliminate the production of all waste created from on-site operations.

Zero carbon from Wates operations and operational vehicles by 2025

Wates aims to reduce carbon emissions from Scope 1 and 2 operations and to become carbon neutral.

Positive impact on nature from all operations

Wates aims to enhance the natural environment wherever it operates and to increase the value and community benefit of
natural environments.