Village concerned about consequences of four major developments

Residents and officials in the small village of Somerton, near Bicester, are raising alarms over the combined effects of four major projects planned in the area. The proposed developments include Heyford Park New Town, a Strategic Rail Freight Interchange, extensive warehouse construction, and the Puy du Fou theme park.

The Somerton Parish Council has warned that the simultaneous scale of these projects could pose an "environmental disaster." The council is urging developers and local authorities to coordinate their efforts to safeguard the rural landscape and villages located between the planned sites.

Oxfordshire County Council has stated that it has "requested" collaboration among developers to adopt a "holistic approach" when considering the infrastructure and environmental requirements for the region. David Spencer and Paul Fennemore from the parish council are advocating for all four developers to contribute to the funding of new road networks to accommodate the anticipated traffic increases.

Currently, there is no legal requirement for developers to collaborate in this way. Paul Fennemore suggested creating a cumulative impact board, which would include developers and local authorities, to evaluate the joint effects of all projects and ensure accountability. He stressed that without coordinated action, the area could face severe environmental consequences.

If all projects proceed as planned, it is estimated that the region's roads could see an additional 30 million trucks, tourists, and commuters annually. Fennemore described this estimate as "conservative" and emphasized the need for developers to support necessary infrastructure improvements.

Details of the Proposed Projects

• The Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (OxSRFI) could handle approximately 600,000 lorries each year.
• The Puy du Fou theme park may attract around 1.4 million visitors annually once fully operational.
• Axis J10 logistics park plans five new warehouses near junction 10 of the M40, potentially creating 9,500 jobs.
• Heyford Park New Town could accommodate between 9,000 and 13,000 additional homes.

Oxfordshire County Council has reaffirmed that it has asked developers to assess the cumulative impact of all proposals to ensure a comprehensive approach to necessary improvements.

Dorchester Living, responsible for the Heyford Park project, confirmed its commitment to collaboration. CEO Paul Silver said the company is focused on understanding both the individual and combined transport effects of the projects. He emphasized working together to minimise disruption, strengthen local infrastructure, and provide lasting benefits for the surrounding communities.

Author: Sophia Brooks