News

Cherwell supports Green amendment

20.10.26

(Image: Claire Brenner – video frame from Facebook)

A positive story on the proposed development at MOD Bicester Site A:

Dr Claire Brenner reports:

The Council has now formally put on record that:

Site A lies in an area with a rich concentration of protected and priority species, including Barbastelle bat, great crested newt, otter, and hairstreak butterfly.

The government’s ecology report is inadequate and does not recommend sufficient wildlife surveys.

Site A should comply with the Council’s own biodiversity policies, and with the law requiring Natural England licences before any work that could harm protected species begins.

This matters. Without proper surveys, neither Natural England nor the Secretary of State can know whether this development can lawfully go ahead. Having the Council say so puts the government on notice.

Thank you to Cllr Eddie Reeves for bringing the original motion, to Cllr Beckett for the amendment, to the councillors who supported it, and to the Piddington residents who have been out with me recording bats along the fence line.

Grateful that Reform councillors voted for a Green amended motion. There’s still a long way to go, but this was a good step tonight.

—

For Claire’s Facebook updates and videos, click here

—

More news

See all

West Oxfordshire District Green councillors’ open letter to Labour

22.10.26

Read