241-hectare rail freight site close to M40 and Ardley
04/11/2025
The scale of the scheme means its classified as a Nationally Strategic Infrastructure Project
Cherwell District Council’s planning committee will this week discuss a response to a consultation on proposals for a Strategic Rail Freight Interchange close to Junction 10 of the M40, Ardley and Upper Heyford. The response will come jointly from both Oxfordshire County Council and Cherwell District Council.
The huge 241-hectare site, which is primarily agricultural land, includes Ashgrove Farm with its the Grade II listed barn, an existing composting facility, woodlands, and flood-prone areas.
Oxfordshire Rail Freight Limited want to build a rail freight terminal, extensive warehousing and HGV parking, whilst also creating a new road infrastructure and pedestrian and cycle links.
Due to the scale of the proposal the scheme is classified as a Nationally Strategic Infrastructure Project.
Both councils support low-carbon freight but have concerns in a number of areas including the effect on the landscape and flood risk. They say the issues require further mitigation before the project can move forward.
Cherwell District Council recently approved large warehouse developments on green field sites to the north of the M40 at junction 10.
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
Reader's opinions
