THE head of the new Oxfordshire office of a house builder says the firm has a bright future, despite the recession.

Peter Carpinelli, managing director of the Linden Homes office at Milton Park, near Didcot, is set to appoint 10 new members of staff, on top of 16 already recruited earlier this year.

And new development sites are being identified in Oxfordshire and across the Thames Valley to meet demand for new homes.

Mr Carpinelli said: “I see a bright future ahead, with an expanding list of quality developments that will reflect the special character of this beautiful part of the country.

“Homes are in high demand, so we are very keen to start providing sustainable properties which fit into their surroundings.”

He added that although the backbone of the company was larger sites, he would not shy away from niche developments such as seven rural properties at The Maples, Sonning Common, near Henley, and a 15-home development at East Hanney.

And he claimed the economy was not stifling growth.

He said: “Mortgage availability is always going to be a challenge but our reservations and exchanges on properties would seem to suggest no real problem.”

Divisional managing director Greg Locke added: “The region needs investment, jobs and growth and we are delighted to be playing our part to help boost the local economy.”