02/10/2026
WHO IN THEIR RIGHT MIND WANTS THIS?
The front page of this week’s Bicester Advertiser says it all:
“COUNCIL HAVE ‘ABANDONED COMMUNITIES’ – Fury over plans for 13 warehouses near M40.”
Cherwell District Council originally REFUSED the plans for these enormous warehouses at Baynards Green, near Stoke Lyne. The developers appealed, but the council has now decided not to present evidence defending its reasons for refusal at the Public Inquiry. Cherwell District Council
That has left Stoke Lyne Parish Council, local residents and campaigners having to raise tens of thousands of pounds themselves to ensure the case against the developments is properly represented at the inquiry. Their CrowdJustice campaign has now raised more than £50,000. CrowdJustice
Look at the second photograph. The cranes were erected today to demonstrate the proposed height of the warehouses and give some idea of the sheer scale of what is being proposed.
This is currently open countryside. The concern isn't just what these enormous buildings could do to the landscape, but the potential impact of traffic, noise, artificial lighting and industrial activity on Stoke Lyne and the surrounding rural area.
Whatever your view, this is a development on a massive scale, and local residents deserve to have their concerns properly heard.
The Public Inquiry is happening right now and continues throughout October. Cherwell District Council
Have a look at the photographs and decide for yourself — is this really the right place for development on this scale?