Council loses control of major planning applications
Cherwell District Council has been given a ‘Notice of Designation’ by the Government meaning they have lost the ability to control major planning applications locally.
In the notice published on Monday, 15th June, the Government said that the council is not adequately performing their function of determining applications for planning permission for major developments, so in future developers of major projects will be able to choose to bypass the local council and apply for planning permission directly to the government.
There is some evidence from previously designated councils that very few applicants choose to go direct to central government, because if they get a refusal there is nowhere else for them to go. Whereas if the district council refuse they still have a right to appeal, so they have two chances rather than one.
Existing applications such as Heyford Park and Puy du Fou have already put in their applications to Cherwell. It’s thought they are unlikely to be affected by this ruling as the developers would have to withdraw their applications from CDC and start all over again.
Steeple Aston’s Martin Lipson, Chair of the Mid-Cherwell Neighbourhood Plan Forum (MCNP) commented in light of the above, despite an initial sense of shock, it seems not to be quite such a serious situation as many think.
However, local politicians appear to be concerned, their views dividing along party lines. Liberal Democrat Councillor Lesley McLean, Leader of Cherwell District Council, said: “This decision is disappointing and, frankly, frustrating. The government appears more interested in judging Cherwell’s past performance than recognising the progress being made today.
“Cherwell is a high-growth district that has a strong track record of delivering new homes, supporting investment and creating opportunities for local people. That is why it is so frustrating to see progress being set aside in favour of historic performance figures for 2023 to 2025.
“Residents expect major decisions affecting their communities to be shaped by local knowledge and local accountability. This designation creates a route for those decisions to be made by the Planning Inspectorate, outside the local democratic process. Elected councillors, supported by knowledgeable and professional officers, are the right people to guide new development in north Oxfordshire.”
Sean Woodcock, the Labour MP for Banbury, disagreed and supported the government move saying, “It’s been patently obvious for a long time that the leadership of Cherwell District Council is not fit for purpose when it comes to planning. This decision will ensure that taxpayer’s money is looked after properly, and that much needed homes are actually delivered.”
However, Callum Miller, the LibDem MP for Bicester and Woodstock opposed the move. He said “Planning decisions about Bicester, Kidlington and our villages should not be handed over to Whitehall because Ministers have failed to deliver the infrastructure needed to make new homes work.
“We need more affordable homes for local people, but growth has to come with roads, GP surgeries, schools, electricity, water and sewage capacity.
“Ministers should be fixing the barriers to building, not taking powers away from local councillors and local communities.”
Forum to address impact of proposed ‘mega’ developments
A new forum is to be set up to bring together representatives from Heyford Park and the surrounding villages to discuss the impact of several major schemes proposed for the area. It will consider the undesirable impact of these developments on the area, including on traffic, environment and infrastructure.
Steeple Aston’s Martin Lipson, who is Chair of the Mid-Cherwell Neighbourhood Plan Forum (MCNP) said “Our colleagues in Somerton Parish Council, on behalf of the MCNP Forum, have managed to persuade the District and County Councils together to establish a ‘stakeholder forum’ which will attempt to address the cumulative impact of the major projects planned for our neighbourhood (Heyford Park, SRFI, and Puy du Fou), and also the warehouses at Baynards Green (going to appeal in September) and Richborough Estates’ new housing near Caulcott.
“It isn’t clear yet whether such a forum will have any teeth, but there is at least a recognition that our area is subject to an unprecedented onslaught of development proposals that if approved would seriously damage the rurality of our part of Oxfordshire. Unfortunately, however, Government policies supporting growth could make it very difficult for local democracy to win the day.”
Steeple Aston Parish Council, as a member of the MCNP Forum Executive, will be represented on the new body.
Councillor Gareth Epps who, who represents our Deddington ward, and has recently been appointed Cabinet Member for Transport at Oxfordshire County Council told the BBC that the forum would help local communities hold councils, developers and other organisations to account.
“It’s to stop the area descending into gridlock,” he said.
“Local residents and parishes see individual developments going into the planning process, and want to see the big picture addressed in terms of: how do we get about, and how do we mitigate the impact and preserve the character of our villages?”
The forum follows a meeting last Autumn involving parish councils and others. It aims to bring together councils, developers and transport bodies to discuss potential impacts.
Councillor Andrew follows a family tradition
Our latest parish councillor Andrew Gibson is following in his father’s footsteps. For many years his dad chaired the parish council in the South Oxfordshire village where Andrew spent his childhood. So, he certainly knows what he’s letting himself in for!
Andrew moved to Steeple Aston in December 2020. He first came across the village while attending work functions at Middle Aston House. When he spotted a house for sale here, he grabbed the opportunity to move to what he describes as a “a good fit for me – a lovely place with a very nice community”.
He now lives in Cow Lane with his girlfriend Nicollete, an audiologist at the JR Hospital, and their cat Icey.
After school in West Berkshire, Andrew, now aged 31, studied mechanical engineering at Coventry University. He currently works for a Swiss-owned company selling equipment to large supermarkets and food and drink manufacturers. Though he is based at home in Steeple Aston, he spends a lot of time in his car travelling across the UK to visit clients.
But on Sunday nights you will find him working in his rather surprising second job. Once a week, he organises live music events and manages the front of house at the White Horse pub in Duns Tew.
Andrew had been thinking for a while about following his father’s example and joining the parish council. He was persuaded to go ahead by talking to councillors and others, and it so happened that elections were imminent. He was elected unopposed in May. “It just felt like the time was right” he said.
He says he will take some time to learn about the issues involved in the role. He is very aware that the prospect of so many new developments, homes and businesses in the area means there will be a lot of change over the next 30 or 40 years. He wants to understand what’s involved and is keen to play his part in the future of the village.
Andrew also understands that small changes can make a real difference to individuals. For example, his disabled grandfather campaigned for a bench in his village so that older and disabled people could still enjoy a country walk.
And from his father’s time on his parish council, he has learnt the importance of good communication on village issues, and on the importance of good emergency planning.
Andrew is keen to speak to villagers about their concerns. He’s already met quite a few while having a go at bell ringing and spending time in The Red Lion. He’s looking forward to the pub reopening. Meanwhile he and his girlfriend have been having a try at another village pursuit – gardening. This year they’ve managed to grow a few vegetables and some strawberries on their tiny plot.
Andrew’s hobbies include surfing, mountaineering and golf. It will be hard to find either surf or mountains in Steeple Aston, though there’s plenty of golf nearby. But as treasurer of his local mountaineering society, he did acquire some financial skills. This is just as well as his first task as a parish councillor is to write a story for the website explaining how the parish council spends our money. Watch this space!
Pub opening delayed, but only by a few weeks
It was hoped that the village pub, formerly The Red Lion now to be renamed The Chequers, would be re-opening on Thursday, 18th June. However, delays in the necessary refurbishment work have meant this will have to be postponed for a few weeks.
Here is the latest message from the new landlords Jonathan and Paolo:
Prime Minister responds on chemicals in Heyford Park waterways
Bicester and Woodstock MP Calum Miller has been assured by the Sir Keir Starmer that the contamination of Gallos Brook near Heyford Park will be investigated and dealt with.
Mr Miller raised the issue at Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday 20th May. He called on the environment and health secretaries to meet with him and residents to “explore what more can be done”.
“The Gallos Brook in my constituency has the highest concentration of forever chemicals in the country,” he said, adding that the Environment Agency currently has “no plans for regular monitoring” at the site.
In response to the question, Sir Keir thanked Mr Miller for raising the issue and said he would make sure a meeting took place between the Bicester MP and the relevant secretaries of state.
“I’ll make sure that the detail is looked at and that appropriate steps are taken,” the Prime Minister added.
Mr Miller had published a detailed statement on the issue 
following a meeting in April at Heyford Park to discuss the discovery of PFAS chemicals in local waterways. It read:
The Environment Agency have found that a watercourse near Heyford Park has one of the highest concentrations of harmful “forever chemicals” in the country. I attended a public meeting with constituents last week at which many concerns were expressed. Here are the questions we need answered, with urgency.
The EA tested a series of waterways. It found that concentrations of PFAS (forever chemicals) were alarmingly high in the Gallos Brook, approximately 4.5km downstream from Heyford Airfield. This is consistent with what we know: that PFAS are used in firefighting foam which was used extensively by the US Air Force at the base.
The readings, taken in 2023 and 2025 were 2,021 and 2,294 nanograms/ litre respectively. The US Government says that drinking water should have no more than FOUR nanograms/ litre and that a level over 1,000 is “critical”. No wonder constituents are worried.
There are 16 waterways running off Heyford Airfield (which is on a plateau). The USAF had a firepit at the airfield, used for training their fire crews. Fuel was used to set a plane alight, and the crews had to extinguish it. The plane sat on a concrete base which drained to the soil beneath.
Constituents rightly want to know:
– what danger do the PFAS pose to them, their families and their pets
– what is known about the levels in PFAS in air, soil and water in the area
– who is responsible for measuring, monitoring and containing the PFAS
I have written to the Environment Agency to ask:
– them to monitor water and soil beyond Gallos Brook and to release their results
– whether the site has been prioritised for future monitoring and investigation
– what assessment they have made of the risk to people and animals
I have written to the MOD to ask:
– whether the USAF shared any environmental assessments or made remediation commitments when it handed back the base in 1994
– whether the MOD made any environmental assessments 1994-97 (before they sold the site)
– for any records relating to the historic use of firefighting foams at the site.
I have written to the Department for Education to ask:
– Whether any environmental, soil or air quality testing has been undertaken at Heyford Park School
– Whether the Department has assessed risks to pupils and staff from construction activity at the Heyford Park development.
– What guidance is in place for schools located near sites of known or suspected PFAS contamination
I have written to Cherwell District Council to ask:
– whether the environmental screening and assessment that was done as part of the Heyford Park development proposal addresses the risks of PFAS
– what steps it has taken in respect of past developments to ensure there is appropriate remediation to protect the health local residents
– whether it has sufficient information to take decisions on current planning applications
For completeness, here’s a link to statement from the current owners of the site, the development group Dorchester Living. They state there is no conclusive link between PFAS readings downstream in Gallos Brook and the historic activities on their site – and they argue that PFAS risk is best addressed by developing the site as they would then undertake remediation. https://www.heyfordpark-pc.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/PFAS-STATEMENT-FINAL.pdf
Thank you to the team who have raised concern and who organised the public meeting. Their own website is here: https://gallosbrook.wordpress.com/home/
This is a very serious matter. I have demanded urgent replies from all these government bodies and departments. People in the Heyford Park area deserve answers about who knew what when and who now has the responsibility for monitoring PFAS levels and for keeping them safe. I am determined to pursue answers.
There’s more detail on the BBC website https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c232e81nej4o
Dr Radcliffe’s appoints Lorraine as new Head
From Lisa Boote – Chair of the Local Governing Body
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Mrs Lorraine Wood as the new Headteacher of Dr Radcliffe’s School. She will take up the role from 1st September. Lorraine is currently a Headteacher within the Oxford Diocesan School Trust Academy and therefore has a strong working knowledge and experience as a leader within the Trust which we are part of.
Lorraine is currently our Interim Headteacher and enjoyed her time at Dr Radcliffe’s so much that she applied for the position. During a rigorous interview process Lorraine stood out as the strongest candidate. As an experienced Headteacher she brings a huge wealth of experience, knowledge and skills, a real passion for education, and an aspirational strategic vision for our school. She showed a clear understanding of the context of Dr Radcliffe’s, our vision and values and the priorities for the future. We are confident that she will maintain and further develop standards, whilst fostering a nurturing and high-quality learning environment. The Governors and school team are hugely looking forward to supporting and working with Lorraine as our Full time Headteacher and as the Interim Headteacher up to the end of this academic year.
A message of welcome from Lorraine
I am absolutely delighted to be joining Dr Radcliffe’s School on a permanent basis as Headteacher from September. Having had the privilege of serving as Interim Headteacher, I have been so impressed by the warmth of our school community, the dedication of our staff, and the enthusiasm of our wonderful pupils. The school’s strong values and commitment to providing an excellent education in a caring and inclusive environment truly resonate with me. I am excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to working closely with our children, families, staff and governors to build on the school’s many strengths and ensure every child thrives to reach their true potential. I feel very fortunate to be part of this community and can’t wait to continue this journey together.
Tory returned to Cherwell Council in tight battle
Councillor Eddie Reeves retained his seat on Cherwell District Council after a close three-way contest in the Deddington ward on Thursday, 7 th May.
The Conservative incumbent faced serious challenges from both the Liberal Democrats and Reform UK. Voters we’re clearly engaged by the contest as the turnout at 52 per cent was higher than previous elections in the ward.
Eddie Reeves won with 1294 votes. Liberal Democrat James Hartley was second with 1173 votes and Gail Collingwood-Turner for Reform UK received 885 votes. The Labour and Green candidates trailed a long way behind these three.
Eddie Reeves, who is leader of the opposition on the council, posted his thanks in the village Facebook group. He wrote “A heartfelt thanks to everyone across the Deddington ward for their support today. Congratulations to all the other candidates on a good-natured campaign.
“Any local issues, please get in touch: Eddie.Reeves@Cherwell-DC.gov.uk I’m always happy to help as best I can.”
Results
Aaron Bliss – Green Party 333
Ann Collingwood-Turner – Reform UK 885
Eddie Reeves – Conservative 1294 Elected
Dean Hartley – Liberal Democrats 1173
Annette Murphy – Labour 300
Electorate
7,649
Turnout (per cent)
52.22%
Cherwell District results
In Cherwell District as a whole, 18 seats were up for grabs. Eight seats went to Liberal Democrats, six to Reform UK, two to Conservatives, one to Labour and one to the Greens.
Reform’s six new seats included that of former Labour group leader Andrew Crichton. However, Reform is only the council’s fourth largest party, with the Conservatives and Labour both still having eight councillors apiece.
Despite the Reform surge, the Lib Dems won an additional four seats meaning they remain Cherwell’s largest party with 20 seats, but they are still without a majority. The Lib Dems previously ran the council with the support of the Green Party and discussions will start now over who will form the next administration.
The make-up of the council is now as follows:
Conservative – 8
Green – 4
Independent – 2
Labour – 8
Liberal Democrat – 20
Reform UK – 6