Graven Hill Embraces Future of Building

At Graven Hill near Bicester, Oxfordshire, the UK’s largest self- and custom-build community, one third of self-build homes constructed between 2018 and 2021 have used modern methods of construction (MMC). This means that non-traditional methods of building, such as off-site manufacturing and innovative on-site techniques like tunnel form have been used.

With the Government having announced an MMC taskforce in its latest Budget to encourage the delivery of such homes in the UK, Graven Hill aims to remain a part of this important movement as it shifts into its next phase.

This year, one of Graven Hill’s specialist suppliers is set to complete 25 prefabricated homes on the development where, since 2018, a total of 34 self and custom build projects have used MMC.

At Graven Hill, each self-build project has a ‘Plot Passport’, which has been pre-approved by the local council. This outlines the parameters and other key guidelines for that specific plot. As long as self-builders follow this Plot Passport, they can get planning permission in just 28 days, as opposed to the usual 8-13 weeks. Choosing to self-build home using MMC further increases the speed of completion.

Karen Curtin, Managing Director at Graven Hill, said: “The announcement of the MMC taskforce was positive news. All of our Plot Passports allow for the use of MMC techniques, and we believe it will play an important role in the future of housing developments.

“With the help of our specialist suppliers, we have proven that prefabricated homes can be just as high quality and aesthetically beautiful as traditional homes. Offering both speed and affordability, MMC certainly looks to be the way forward for housing and we’re proud to be part of the revolution.”

Homes built off-site have proven to be popular with Graven Hill residents as they ensure quick and simple construction, and minimise disruption on site.

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