'XXL size' warehouses refused permission

Three major warehouse developments covering the area of nearly 80 football pitches have been refused north of Bicester.

Protests were held before the Cherwell District Council planning meeting, with residents raising concerns about traffic, the height of the buildings and impact on the countryside.

The industrial sheds around the Baynard's Green junction were described as "XXL size" and councillors were told they were intended for regional and national logistics.

Developers told councillors they were "very disappointed" and intended to appeal.

The committee refused four applications, relating to plans for warehousing covering a total of 570,000sqm.

Councillors were told the developments would mean "substantial jobs growth" and would also include an upgrade to the Baynard's Green junction of the A43 and B4100.

The meeting heard logistics company DHL wanted to occupy two of the three developments.

Nick Barnes, chairman of Stoke Lyne Parish Council, warned they would "generate thousands of new car journeys" by employees.

He said: "Very few of the low-wage workforce would be able to afford to live nearby.

"Securing a few junction improvements and a cycle lane that hardly anyone will use is no justification."

Planning agent Emma Lancaster, representing the developers, told the meeting the site was "ideally suited" to meet logistics needs in the area.

She added: "We do of course accept that a development of this scale will have impacts, but through working closely with officers we have sought to minimise those and mitigate those so far as is possible."

Councillors voted narrowly in favour of rejecting two of the applications, while the largest development was more roundly rejected - with 10 in favour of refusal and four abstentions.

Campaigner Kelly Holden-White said: "We are delighted that they feel the same way that we have been feeling since these proposals darkened our doorstep five years ago."

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