MORE than 100 people in Cherwell looking to build their first home from scratch have registered an interest in the groundbreaking Graven Hill scheme in Bicester.

The very first plots have gone on sale exclusively to people living in the district who want a self-build home, with many of those signing up saying it is their only route onto the property ladder.

In just, one month dozens of residents have contacted the sales team about the South Bicester development - currently the subject of a Kevin McCloud TV documentary - which will be the UK's largest self-build site with up to 1,900 homes.

Among those wanting to step onto the self-build property ladder are Catherine Buttery and Justin Metcalfe who currently live in a one-bed flat in the Garden Quarter, Bicester.

The couple have been waiting for more than two years to get started on building a property at Graven Hill and say it is the only way they can break into the housing market.

Mr Metcalfe, 32 who is himself an architect, said: "It would have been about two and half years ago that we first read about the Graven Hill project. They were making a big thing of it as it is something we just don't do in the UK - take a self-build approach.

"I thought why don't we build our own home, at the time we were struggling to pull together a deposit for a house anywhere.

"We hope to get one of the three-bedroom plots which is one of the smaller detached plots.

"We are not being over ambitious, we would like a small garden and just to be able to design quite an open plan, modern interior."

Ms Buttery, 29, said: "Graven Hill is a great location right on the edge of the countryside, with great connections to the rest of the country.

"We would not be able to afford a three-bedroom house in Oxfordshire otherwise, we would probably struggle to find a two-bedroom house in Oxford and we do want a family and to settle down.

"So Graven Hill is the perfect way for us to get on the property ladder and we are just really excited now."

The Graven Hill Village Development Company gave nearby residents a six-week head-start on the rest of the country to register their interest.

Buyers will be able to choose plots across the site where they would like to build their home.

The first phase of building will be ten plots close to the village centre and buyers will purchase a ‘Golden Brick’, which includes the plot, the foundations built for them and a ten year structural warranty.

The build will follow the initial ten currently being built as part of the My Grand Designs Channel 4 documentary.

Mr Metcalfe added: "It gives you the freedom to design a house that completely suits your needs.

"Secondly, it can be quite affordable - people get the misconception that it can be expensive but it does not have to be."

The sales line will open up to others across the country on Monday, August 22.

Bicester Town councillor Dan Sames, Graven Hill Village Development Company board director, said: "The first residents will be instrumental in shaping a new community for Bicester and we hope that those living and working in Cherwell will take advantage of the opportunities to be part of this exciting project."

To register an interest contact 01295 753700 or info@gravenhill.co.uk