Warehouse City Planned for Cherwell Countryside
28th April 2022
CPRE Oxfordshire has huge concerns about the cumulative impact of three separate giant warehouse developments proposed for countryside surrounding Junction 10 of the M40. These developments are planned for rural sites, with critical loss of green fields and serious impact on a number of villages including Baynards Green, Fritwell, Ardley, Middleton Stoney and Heyford Park as well as those falling outside the Oxfordshire boundary such as Aynho.
CPRE Oxfordshire has produced a graphic, see below, to show the size and collective significance of the plans.
A – Albion Land proposal, Baynards Green, major distribution and manufacturing park, 278,000m2.
View the Planning Applications here:
https://planningregister.cherwell.gov.uk/Planning/Display/21/03266/F?fbclid=IwAR00QfLa2Q_Hn5OzLy8cthRMIMAqR4tCb1LuQuqUqaR5BXPHTWOWuUNpkUc
https://planningregister.cherwell.gov.uk/Planning/Display/21/03267/OUT
https://planningregister.cherwell.gov.uk/Planning/Display/21/03268/OUT
B – Symmetry Park, Ardley, 325,000m2 of warehousing.
View the Planning Application here: https://planningregister.cherwell.gov.uk/Planning/Display/22/01340/OUT
Comment here: https://planningregister.cherwell.gov.uk/Planning/Comment/22/01340/OUT
C – Strategic Rail Freight Interchange, Heyford Park, rail freight terminal with additional 604,000m2 of warehousing and associated infrastructure.
The size and scope of the proposal means that it is being considered as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project.
Public Consultation is open and closes 4th July 2022.
https://oxsrfi.co.uk/
Submit a response here https://oxsrfi.co.uk/contact/
CPRE Oxfordshire questions whether a Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) is needed at all: there are a number of established SRFIs within close proximity of the proposed site. Additionally, the Chilterns Line is not well connected for freight use and therefore this site could ultimately become a Strategic ROAD Freight Interchange.
Helen Marshall, Director CPRE Oxfordshire said:
“Whilst we are keen, in principle, to support the movement of freight from road onto rail, this appears to be just a ruse to push through yet another major warehouse development, based principally on road distribution.”
“We strongly hope that our Councillors will be robust in their defense of the countryside and would encourage everyone who could be affected by the three proposals to ensure they have their say as and when consultations and planning applications are made public.”
Download CPRE Cherwell’s response to the initial consultation on the Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) proposed at Ardley.: