Transforming Cherwell’s military houses into homes
12/08/2025
491 properties in the district will be affected by the change
Armed Forces families living in military housing in our area will soon benefit from new freedoms to keep pets and personalise their homes. The change comes as part of a government commitment to improve forces’ housing and has been welcomed by Banbury’s MP, Sean Woodcock.
In the Cherwell district 491 properties will be affected. Those living in these houses will also be able to run a business from home for the first time.
Some of the changes came into effect on August 9 as part of a new Consumer Charter within a forthcoming Defence Housing Strategy. This will set out plans for a generational renewal of forces housing, helping renew the nation’s contract with those who serve and supporting the government’s Plan for Change.
Mr Woodcock said: “I’m delighted that local families in military housing will finally have the chance to turn their houses into true homes. There are 491 military homes across Cherwell, and these families will now have the freedom to own pets, decorate properties and run businesses from their homes if they would like to.
“Our Armed Forces serve with courage and dedication, and they are rightly considered heroes. They deserve the dignity and freedoms to live in decent homes that suit them and their families.”
Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said: “Our Armed Forces make extraordinary sacrifices to keep us safe every day. But for too long, military families have lived in substandard housing without basic consumer rights.
“These new measures are another step as we deliver on our Consumer Charter to stop the rot in military accommodation and ensure our heroes and their loved ones live in houses they can truly call home.
“By introducing greater freedoms, including pet ownership, we are ensuring forces families up and down the UK can live and work in homes fit for modern life.”
Until now, military families faced a lengthy approval process to own pets. From this week, they can keep up to two dogs, cats or smaller pets without needing permission.
More than £7 billion is being targeted towards military accommodation this Parliament, which includes an extra £1.5 billion to support urgent repairs and the long-term renewal of military family homes across the UK.
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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