A NEW garden village has been given a quarter of a million pounds in Government funding to help with housing development.

West Oxfordshire District Council (WODC) reported it had been successful in a funding bid for the Salt Cross garden village near Eynsham.

Jeff Haine, cabinet member for planning at WODC, said: “We are looking at building state of the art, zero carbon housing on what will be an exemplar development for the United Kingdom, fitting with many of our key priorities including meeting housing need and building strong local communities.

“It is good news that our efforts are being recognised and supported by central government as the planning process continues.”

See also: Man fined £1,000 after drink-driving at primary school

The funding was announced by the minister for housing, Tamworth MP Christopher Pincher.

Mr Haine added: “The minister has commended the ambition shown by West Oxfordshire and is delighted that this funding will help deliver our ambitious plans.”

Planning inspector Darren McCreery is set to report his findings to the council later this summer, following hearings which will be held virtually from June 28 to July 9.