An aristocratic seal of approval backs a housing development that targets the ordinary man and woman in the street.

Ben’s Close in Woodstock, which includes 16 affordable new homes, was officially opened by the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough recently.

The £2.4m project, developed by Sovereign Vale, came about after West Oxfordshire District Council, working with Oxfordshire Rural Community Council and Woodstock Town Council, identified Woodstock as an area needing affordable homes for local people living and working in the town.

It was part-funded by a £1.07m grant from the Homes and Communities Agency and is named after Ben Brooks who once farmed in that area.

The scheme was built by Blenheim Estate Contractors, which is part of the Blenheim Estate, and is on land previously owned by Blenheim.

Steve Russell, managing director of Sovereign Vale, said: “Sovereign Vale is committed to providing homes in rural locations across Oxfordshire.

“All the partners involved in Ben’s Close have worked really hard to deliver this excellent new scheme and we are really pleased to be offering these much-needed affordable new homes in Woodstock.”

Councillor Verena Hunt, West Oxfordshire District Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for housing, added: “Securing affordable homes for residents in our villages is essential for our rural communities to thrive. West Oxfordshire District Council’s rural exception sites policy has enabled many schemes such as this one in Woodstock to be built.”

Ken Glendinning, of the Homes and Communities Agency, said: “We are committed to investing in rural communities and supporting our partners in creating new and affordable places for local people to call home.

“This is an excellent new development and will help meet demand from the Woodstock community.”

Roger File, of the Blenheim Estate, added: “We are extremely proud of the scheme, particularly as it is within Woodstock with which Blenheim Palace and the wider estate is an integral part.”

Abingdon-based Sovereign Vale is the largest provider of social housing in Oxfordshire.