Call for empty MOD homes in West Oxfordshire to be used for affordable housing
Homes in Marlborough Crescent and Becketts Close are the focus of a letter to a government minister
Last updated 19th Oct 2026
West Oxfordshire District Council has written to a government minister asking what will happen to empty homes in Long Hanborough, saying they could help meet the area's need for affordable housing.
The homes are in Marlborough Crescent and Becketts Close.
The council understands the last people living there left in November 2024 and that the homes have been empty since.
Council Leader Councillor Andy Graham has written to the Minister for Veterans and People, following a motion agreed by councillors.
He is asking for a clear plan for the homes.
The council wants to explore whether they could be used as social housing or temporary accommodation if they are sold.
What the council is asking
In his letter, Councillor Graham asks whether the Ministry of Defence (MOD) intends to renovate the homes or demolish and regenerate the wider area.
He is also seeking details of the expected timescales and future use, and has requested a meeting with the relevant MOD representatives.
Councillor Graham, Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, said: "Everyone deserves a safe, secure home they can afford, but for too many people in West Oxfordshire that is increasingly difficult to find. We need to explore every opportunity to increase the supply of affordable homes, including making better use of properties that already exist."
He also said: "Seeing these homes standing empty is frustrating when there are families on our housing waiting list and people in need of temporary accommodation. I have written to the Minister asking for a clear plan for their future and for us to have the opportunity to explore their use as social housing if they are to be sold."
The council said bringing the homes back into use could also respond to concerns from people living nearby about their condition and reports of anti-social behaviour in the area.
Housing need in West Oxfordshire
According to the council, average house prices in West Oxfordshire are almost 10 times average earnings and around £80,000 above the national average.
It estimates more than 2,800 local households need affordable housing, with over 1,800 currently on the housing waiting list.
The council said the total number of homes in the district has nearly doubled over the past 40 years, but the number of affordable rented homes has fallen.
It said increasing the supply of social rented housing is a council priority, as it helps people access secure homes at rents below private market levels.
MOD response
A Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) spokesperson said: “In December 2024, the MOD bought back the SFA (Service Family Accommodation) estate from Annington Property Ltd in a landmark deal, saving Defence over £600k every day. As part of that deal, it was agreed that some empty houses would be returned to Annington.
“The houses at Long Hanborough are earmarked as part of that last batch of houses. This process is ongoing and expected to conclude in the coming months.”
Once the transfer has been finalised, any decisions regarding the future of the properties would be made by Annington.