The first properties at a new housing development that will bring millions of pounds of investment into the area are being prepared for release.

Bovis Homes is building 319 new homes at the Roman Fields site at Drayton Lodge, off Warwick Road to the north west of Banbury, which is expected to inject £5 million into community infrastructure and facilities.

The 46-acre development will include a community hall, retail space, an ecology area, four play areas, a pavilion and sports pitches, an orchard, and allotments, alongside improvements to both nearby schools and roads.

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Adrian Wood, regional sales and marketing director for the company, said, "We have placed community at the heart of the design of our new Roman Fields development, with a raft of community facilities being delivered as an integral part to this new neighbourhood in Banbury."

He added: "The development has also secured funding for improvements to local services and facilities.

"We will be contributing nearly £1.4 million to expand nursery and primary places at William Morris Primary School as well as £1.9 million towards secondary education and £96,000 towards special needs education in the town.

"There will also be £650,000 for public transport improvements, including bus services, and more than £35,000 for Thames Valley Police."

96 of the home have been allocated as affordable properties, with the initiative aiming provide opportunities to people who may not otherwise be able to buy their own home.

The public launch event is scheduled at the Wroxton House Hotel on Thursday, February 29, between 3pm and 7pm.