Defence Estates, the Ministry of Defence’s property arm, is seeking planning consent for 1,650 homes to be built on its Graven Hill depot site near Bicester, Oxfordshire.

The MoD, which wants to sell the 130 ha site as part of its estates rationalisation scheme, has entered pre-application discussions with Cherwell District Council ahead of a planning decision expected next year.

It is proposing that the site be designated for home and business use, under plans which have been revised down from an original suggestion of 5,000 homes.

A spokesman for Defence Estates said: “Having first considered the planning situation, our disposal staff will sell the property as swiftly as the market allows to get the best price reasonably obtainable normally through open competition – unless it is required by other government departments or public bodies or there are former owner considerations.

“The proposals for Graven Hill do not involve moving parts of the site to other areas, as they are intended to consolidate what is there.

“The Graven Hill site is brownfield land with good access to Bicester Town Centre, and some of the land being developed for employment use would represent a boost to local job opportunities.

The plans submitted to Cherwell District Council suggest the homes could be built by 2026.

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