Inspector says no to storage and distribution site east of M40
23/07/2025
The scheme’s benefits did not outweigh the harm it would cause
Plans for a large logistics development on farmland near Junction 11 of the M40 at Banbury have been rejected following a public inquiry.
Developer Greystoke CB Ltd had appealed against Cherwell District Council’s refusal of outline planning permission for up to 140,000 square metres of storage and distribution space on land at Huscote Farm near Nethercote, east of the motorway.
After hearing evidence, a government-appointed planning inspector, Patrick Hanna, dismissed the appeal, citing significant harm to the area’s roads, landscape, and character.
While the inspector acknowledged the proposal would create jobs, contribute to the local economy, and deliver some biodiversity net gain, they concluded the benefits did not outweigh the negative impacts. In particular, the scheme would put additional strain on already-congested roads, including Hennef Way, Southam Road, and Junction 11 itself, with no clear plan to fully mitigate these problems.
The development was also deemed inconsistent with local planning policies, as it would extend into open countryside beyond Banbury’s built-up limits and harm the landscape character of the area.
The inquiry heard that although there is demand for smaller logistics units locally, the proposal in its current form conflicted with Cherwell’s Local Plan and national planning guidance on sustainable development.
The inspector concluded: “The adverse impacts of the proposal are not outweighed by the benefits. The proposal would conflict with the identified development plan policies and with the plan as a whole, and there are no material considerations to indicate a decision other than in accordance with it.”
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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