New exhibition for potential 3,400-home town plan

6 October 2025

Nathan BriantSouth of England

News image — Homes would be built on part of the airfield site if the plan gets the go-ahead

Getty Images An elevated view of the skyline of the farmland of Oxfordshire with Chalgrove Airfield, a former World War Two airfield, clearly visible in the centre of the picture. — Homes would be built on part of the airfield site if the plan gets the go-ahead

Residents will be able to see the final proposals for a controversial 3,400-home new town at an exhibition later this month.

Homes England wants to build them at Chalgrove Airfield, Oxfordshire, and expects to submit a final planning application to South Oxfordshire District Council by the end of the year.

Many Chalgrove residents are opposed to the project, Henley and Thame MP Freddie van Mierlo has called for it to be stopped, and ejector seat maker Martin-Baker has a lease on the airfield until 2063.

The exhibition is due to take place at John Hampden Hall in the town from 14:30 BST until 19:00 on 22 October.

There are about 1,200 homes in Chalgrove currently and community events regarding the last version of the plan were held in April 2024.

Homes England pulled an earlier proposal in 2021 and concerns about the development and the proximity to the airfield's runway were previously raised by the Civil Aviation Authority.

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