Five houses in Bicester’s Heyford Park development have been allocated to Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war.

Dorchester Living, the developers behind Heyford Park, have set aside a mix of bungalows and two-bed houses from their portfolio for Ukrainian refugees to move into. The refugee families’ visa applications have all been made, and depending on UK government processes, they will have moved into the allotted houses by next month.

The homes being offered are from the developer’s older housing stock, dating back to the time in which Bicester accommodated American airbases.

A spokesperson for Dorchester Living said: “We’ve been on site for years as a community house builder. We’re interested in building a community as well as houses.”

When asked about how the developers became involved with refugee resettlement, he said: “One of our directors went to Poland to help Ukrainian refugees who had fled to the country. It became clear that some people wanted to resettle in the UK, and through these links and various other contacts, we are now bringing people here under the Homes for Ukraine government scheme.

He added: “As a landlord we had properties available in Poland – a hostel – which had been setup for refugees in the country. We had been letting them stay in the hostel until they could be moved into homes around Poland.”

It seems that community support and hard work have also been key factors in assuring a friendly environment for the refugee families to come into. Some families living in the development have even offered a room to Ukrainian refugees on a separate basis to the homes already being offered by the landlord.  

The spokesperson said: “This wouldn’t have worked without the support of the community. We called on our community links, including the chapel, GP surgery, dentists and food banks, and they are all providing social support.

“Other community leaders have been donating furniture and helping with benefit forms and housing applications.”

Cherwell’s authorities have also been open about their stance with regards to accepting Ukrainian refugees into the region. The council published this statement on their website after a meeting in February: “At a meeting on Monday 28 February, the council unanimously passed a motion denouncing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and pledging to respond to requests to assist any Ukrainian refugees that may come here.

“We will be guided by central government as to the best ways that we can help as the situation continues to develop. In standing with the people of Ukraine we and our partner organisations will support and give a warm welcome to refugees locally.”

 

 

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