Bicester MP and residents’ campaign group respond to Heyford Park no longer being one of the Government’s ‘New Town’ locations.
Dorchester Living has built 1,200 of the planned 13,000 homes on the former RAF site near Bicester over 15 years, which is a £5 bn project.
Plans for 9,000 new homes at the site were dropped when the government cut its new towns list from twelve to seven earlier this week. However, plans could still go ahead if they are approved by Cherwell District Council.
Calum Miller (Image: Roger Harris)
Bicester MP, Calum Miller, said the decision highlights the need for more homes but warned growth must not strain already overstretched services.
“This decision should be a wake-up call”, he said, “We need more homes […] but growth cannot mean piling more pressure onto roads and services that are already overstretched.”
Considering other large local planning and infrastructure developments, he said a joined-up approach is obvious and the government should be clear about why it decided not to proceed with the site.
“Ministers must not kick this into the long grass”, he said, “They need to get to grips with the infrastructure gaps in our area and make sure future growth works for local communities, not against them.”
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Heyford Park Community Action Group, said: “Residents of Heyford Park are keen to understand what this means for us as the settlement needs facilities, amenities and much needed infrastructure.
“Even though the new town was a frightening prospect for many, it was a potential solution to the continual silence, deflection and failures of the current company responsible for the village.
“Dorchester Living are struggling to create a healthy community here and we beg the authorities to step in and force Dorchester into action before they are given any further planning and growth options.
“Deliver what was promised for the current residents, before being given any permission to expand their fiefdom.”
Dorchester Living said it remains committed to working closely with the local community, statutory authorities, and the Government, which it says “shows clear support and recognition”.
It said: “Heyford Park has grown into a vibrant community with an exceptional range of amenities, far exceeding what is typically found in comparable developments.
“At the heart is our commitment to creating not just homes, but a truly thriving community. This is something we are immensely proud of, and it’s reflected in the genuine sense of belonging and pride shared by the majority of residents.
“There is a great deal more to come, and we look forward to continuing to enhance and grow this outstanding community.”