The display home will take about four months to build and will be open for viewing by residents in April next year.

North-west Bicester is one of four sites in the country which were announced in July 2009 as locations for carbon neutral developments.

The initial project in Bicester plans to build 420 zero-carbon homes initially but is part of a 20-year project that should see 5,000 homes being built to make a whole eco-town.

Visitors will be able to inspect the green technology being implemented in the plans, including triple glazed windows, solar photovoltaic tiles, rain water harvesting fittings and smart meters to monitor energy use.

In addition to homes, ideas for the eco town include shops, restaurants, and more unusually a green cemetery.

The project is being led by P3Eco, an eco development specialist, and a consortium of partners comprising of a local housing provider, the A2Dominion Group, with the support of Bicester Town Council, Cherwell District Council and Oxfordshire County Council.

The planning application is likely to be decided in February or March next year.

Alison Brown

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe