HUNDREDS turned up to find out more about proposals for the UK’s largest self-build site in Bicester.

A series of free self-build seminars were led by industry experts, including TV presenter Charlie Luxton, to advise residents on building their own homes.

Organised by Cherwell District Council and the Graven Hill Development Company (GHDC), six seminars were held four times throughout Saturday, March 21, with nearly 700 people taking part.

GHDC director Karen Curtin said: “Graven Hill has been making headlines both locally and nationally.

“This event signified the start of the journey, bringing together potential customers with the industry experts who could tell them more about what is entailed and answer any questions.”

Our top stories

Seminars featured advice about the self-build process, budget and finance, their benefits and the supply chain.

The site, sold by the Ministry of Defence to Cherwell District Council, has outline planning permission for up to 1,900 self-build homes, a pub, primary school, shops and space for up to 2,000 jobs.

Initial construction at the 187-hectare site, three miles from junction 9 of the M40, is also set to star in a six-part documentary, 'My Grand Design', with presenter Kevin McCloud.

The GHDC director added: “We knew that the event was going to be popular, but the interest and enthusiasm for the project has been staggering.

“It was not just local residents who attended, many people travelled across the country to take part and the feedback we have received has been fantastic.

“It is fair to say that we are expecting a surge of demand when the first plots go on sale later this year.”

A similar event is planned for June.