TV PRESENTER Kevin McCloud’s housing company is the latest firm to consider building new homes in Cumnor Hill overlooking Oxford.

Followng this latest application a Cumnor parish councillor said the area was coming under “intense pressure” from developers.

HAB Housing, established by the host of Channel 4’s Grand Designs in 2007, has submitted plans for six “luxury” homes.

The plans for land between 79 Cumnor Hill and 1 Delamare Way have been submitted to Vale of White Horse District Council.

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Mr McCloud’s company says the proposal is “eco-friendly”.

According to HAB Housing, the landscape design features a sustainable urban drainage system which will store and re-use surface water.

This will provide a natural alternative to channelling surface water through sewers to nearby watercourses, which can result in downstream flooding.

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An artist's impression of the homes

The company’s communications and sales director Simon McWhirter said: “This is an excellent location.

“We’re really proud of this proposal, which will be our first in the area to offer customised and bespoke finishes to each property.

“This lets people buy a home designed by them, for them — tailored to suit them perfectly.”

Logs for the houses’ wood-burning stoves will form boundaries in place of conventional fences, according to HAB Housing.

Cumnor Parish Council planning committee chairman Harry Dickinson said: “Cumnor Hill is under intense development pressure because of its proximity to Oxford, the desirability of it, and the constraints of development on Oxford because of the Green Belt.

“A wide variety of applications are coming in and each one has to be assessed on its merits.

“We are trying not to oppose developments simply because we are opposed to development, we will consider each one carefully.

“Getting a balance between allowing appropriate development and maintaining the character of Cumnor Hill is sometimes difficult.”

In July, the Vale council’s planning committee voted to refuse permission to a block of flats on the corner of Cumnor Hill and Hurst Rise Road.

In November last year planning permission was granted for 136 new homes off Lime Road near Cumnor Hill.

In the same month permission was granted for 150 new homes on the land off Tilbury Lane.

The Vale council is due to decide on the application by November 26.

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