Hanwell is no stranger to the large-scale housing developments that now surround the historic ironstone village to the south. But this time it's different. 

There is now a real possibility that Hanwell could be swallowed by housing developments, becoming a suburb of Banbury and losing its rural village identity if developers and landowners get their way.

In August Vistry Homes submitted a screening opinion application to Cherwell District Council to build 170 houses on the fields between Hanwell and Banbury. The Council responded with a request that the developer completes an Environmental Impact Assessment, which is currently being carried out on fields in question. 

Residents have formed a new community action group called ‘Keep Hanwell Village Rural’. The group is made up of residents in Hanwell and in neighbouring villages.