Calls for answers and action on serious chemical pollution at Heyford Park
Local campaigners along with Bicester and Woodstock MP Callum Miller are calling for urgent action following reports of the existence of high levels of ‘forever chemicals’ (PFAS) at the former US airbase at Upper Heyford. This site is the current subject of a planning application for 9,000 homes which up till now had expected to be approved.
However, evidence is growing that neither the developers Dorchester Living, nor authorities including the Environment Agency and Cherwell District Council carried out adequate testing for the chemicals which have leached into the water table at Gallos Brook, less than five miles from the site.
At a meeting in April villagers raised the alarm that this watercourse near Heyford Park has one of the highest concentrations of harmful “forever chemicals” in the country.
Callum Miller attended the meeting and subsequently raised the issues at Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons on 29th May. He was assured that the matter would be dealt with.
The MP also wrote to a series of public bodies to seek answers about what is known, what testing has taken place and what further action is now needed. These include the Ministry of Defence, the Environment Agency, Cherwell District Council, the Department for Education, the UK Health Security Agency and the Drinking Water Inspectorate.
Now there is evidence in a response from the Ministry of Defence that historic contamination risks were identified, including fire-fighting chemicals and a fire practice pond which are thought could be the source of the PFAS. But they say that the site was disposed of in the mid-1990s before any form of PFAS testing began.
But several bodies have not yet responded and the promised meeting with the Health and Environment Secretaries has not yet materialised.
Cherwell District Council, which is the planning authority, said it saw no evidence of an immediate health risk for residents. It published the following statement:
Where development has already taken place at Heyford Park, land contamination was assessed and remediated where necessary, in line with the legislation and guidance that applied at the time those developments were approved.
For any new planning applications, the council will:
- Assess each application on its own merits
- Require appropriate land contamination investigations, where relevant
- Ensure that testing, remediation and verification are carried out in line with current national guidance
- Take a precautionary and evidence‑led approach, particularly for sensitive uses such as housing
If additional investigation or mitigation is required because of PFAS or other contaminants, this will be secured through the planning process.
See the full statement here
There’s more information on the residents’ website
And Callum Miller’s full update can be found here
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:
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