Clarion Weekly, 6 September 2024

Is the future of transport being hatched on a converted Bicester airfield? In this week's Clarion long read we take a look at how a site in “Motorsport Valley” has become home to flying taxis, advanced electric drive, and even electric go-karts. Read the full story.

This week’s top stories

The much-delayed upgrade of Oxford’s Sewage Treatment Works is finally set to go ahead. Thames Water is putting the £240m project out to tender – which will include tripling the size of the storm tanks, increasing treatment flow rate by 80%, and improving overall water quality.

Potential bidders are being briefed this month in advance of tendering in October. The £240m bill is almost twice what Thames Water originally planned to spend on the project. Most work is likely to take place during the water regulator’s 2025–2030 period.

Last week Oxford City Council sounded the alarm again over the sewage works, saying the lack of treatment capacity was preventing new houses and businesses being built across the city.

Thames Water’s long-term plan for a new 150million m³ reservoir near Abingdon, among other supply measures, has been approved by Government. The decision doesn’t mean the controversial reservoir will necessarily be built, but is one of the key steps required along the way.

The company says it wants to obtain consent for the reservoir “as soon as possible, in order that it can be used by 2040”. It favours it over the alternative of transferring water from the Severn to the Thames, which it says would be more expensive. Thames Water claims that “On reaching the decision to approve the plan, the Secretary of State concluded that there is a strategic need for the […] new 150 Mm3 reservoir in Oxfordshire, known as the South East Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO).”

A 12-week public consultation on the scheme concluded at the end of August. The plans are fiercely opposed by local groups such as GARD (Group Against Reservoir Development), who say Thames have “overestimated the water shortage… it is a solution looking for a problem”.

Politicians in the south of the county have restated opposition to the reservoir. Vale of White Horse District Council leader Bethia Thomas said “This makes taking a stand much more challenging but we continue to do what is within our limited power.” Local MP Olly Glover has called for a public inquiry. “Government guidelines state this can be done where there are ‘unresolved issues or significant public interest’. Many of my constituents’ lives will be impacted.”

But, quote-tweeting the Clarion, Labour city councillor Linda Smith sounded the opposite note: “Let's build this badly needed reservoir, support investment in local infrastructure and get the homes built that local people are crying out for. Now is not the time for NIMBYism or political opportunism.”

An 1800-home new town where the “car is a guest” has been approved for Begbroke, just west of Kidlington. New primary and secondary schools, research space, shops, pubs, and a theatre and cinema have been promised for the development around the University of Oxford’s Begbroke Science Park.

Cherwell District Council approved the outline plans for the ‘Begbroke Innovation District’ last night. Land will be reserved for a future station on the Oxford–Banbury line, a new bus route is planned, and there will be connections and a bridge to the Oxford Canal.

The planning application claims that “It will be easier to walk or cycle through the site than by any other mode of transport, with a permeable, high quality and fine-grained network of routes… on-street parking will be consolidated at the end of each street.” Tom Clarke from Oxford University Development told the meeting they would build a pedestrian and cycle bridge over the railway at Sandy Lane by 2031, when 500 houses will have been built, despite a loss of funding from Network Rail; and that 50% of housing would be affordable.

Discussion at the meeting focused on the Sandy Lane crossing and flooding concerns. Local councillor Lesley McLean (LibDem, Kidlington West), proposing approval, said “It is vital that we get active travel and walking routes right… it has the possibility to be an exemplar site.” Committee chairman Barry Wood (Con, Heyfords) agreed: “There’s a lot of innovation here, a new approach to social housing… there’s a clear and significant benefit to the district.”

The application was approved unanimously. Key stages are expected to be complete by 2033-34, depending on approvals from bodies such as the Environment Agency and Network Rail.

Around the city

• Crowds gathered in East Oxford at the weekend to celebrate the Cowley Road Carnival, returning after a lengthy hiatus. Sunshine bathed the onlookers and Oxford's diverse community was in full party mood. Huge cheers greeted the appearance of the team from Asylum Welcome, based just off the Cowley Road, and their giant Paddington Bear. Crowds had recently gathered to protect Asylum Welcome from the threat of far right riots.

• Essential repair work to the riverbank is set to close two sections of the Thames towpath in Oxford, say Oxfordshire County Council. The first closure will be between the Sir Geoffrey Arthur building & Marlborough Rd on the Grandpont side of the river starting on 9 September. Following completion of these works, a second set of closures will come into force from late October, as work commences along the towpath from Folly Bridge south to Donnington Bridge, with anticipated completion in February 2025, subject to weather or other timing constraints. Cllr Andrew Gant, Cabinet Member for Transport Management said: “This work will safeguard this towpath for years. Diversionary routes & towpath width reductions will be in place. For their own safety, people are asked to adhere to the signed diversions.”
• Taxis will be allowed on the Norfolk Street/Speedwell Street route around the side of the Westgate Centre. The route is currently open to buses only: representatives of Oxford’s taxi association COLTA said it would prevent journeys to the rail station being caught in “gridlock”.
• Residents are invited to drop in sessions as part of a consultation on the future of Warneford Hospital, which the NHS plans to turn into a 'brain science campus'. We reported on this in January.

Around the county

• Developers are proposing 400 new houses on land west of Witney, beside the A40. The plot at Peashell Farm is currently farmland and a small industrial estate, and almost runs up against the village of Minster Lovell. West Oxfordshire District Council had previously considered the site for housing but said they would prefer it was developed together with the golf course to the north. They noted it was “distant from any services and facilities” but had good bus connections. Delays in building houses in the district mean that WODC currently does not have a “five-year supply of housing land”, so developers are free to bring forward speculative proposals like this on sites which haven’t been identified in the Local Plan.
• Cherwell District Council says a “significant” new tenant has been lined up for the beleaguered Castle Quay shopping centre in Banbury. The council-owned centre formerly hosted M&S, H&M, Debenhams, BHS and Gap, all of which have closed. Cherwell’s previous administration paid £62m to acquire the full complex; it is now valued at £15.4m. Recent developments have included the Lock 29 food court on the former BHS site, and the Waterfront restaurant/entertainment complex which is now fully let. The council’s Executive will consider signing the new tenant’s lease next week. Press and public will be excluded from this part of the meeting due to it being commercially sensitive.
• A 20mph limit for Banbury was approved on Thursday, by Oxfordshire County Council. The proposals were originally considered in January but were sent back after local councillors disagreed on the extent of the limit. The limit will now apply to most residential roads but not the town’s through routes. Debate at the Oxfordshire County Council meeting focused around a stretch of the A361 (Southam Road) close to St Mary’s primary school, where Cllr Kieron Mallon (Con, Bloxham & Easington) said weight of traffic meant “you’d be lucky to get above 5mph” at school pickup/dropoff times. Highways cabinet member Andrew Gant said he wanted to take a wider look at the issue of safety and speed limits outside schools. The new 20mph limit will apply to all the roads in blue on the plan, with the red roads staying at 30mph.

• More than 200 requests for 20mph speed limit schemes have been approved since 2022 say Oxfordshire County Council, after 25 more were agreed yesterday. OCC’s policy of asking parish councils, and local councillors, to request a 20mph limit contrasts with the blanket limits that came into force in Wales. A public consultation then takes place, with opportunities for people to influence the design and the adoption of the scheme. Cllr Andrew Gant said: “This is an incredible landmark and I want to thank all the communities who have been in touch with us, asking to make their residential streets safer and more pleasant places."

University and research

• Tributes have been paid to Professor Chris Redman, pioneering Oxford obstetrician, and the creator of the specialist maternal medicine 'Silver Star' unit at the John Radcliffe Hospital, who died on 13th August. He invented the Dawes-Redman system, now adopted as the gold standard of acute fetal assessment in the NHS and over 130 countries. Colleagues say his research into the biology of pre-eclampsia has “left an indelible mark on the field”.
• Diplomat and geopolitics expert Dr Kadira Pethiyagoda has confirmed his candidacy for Chancellor of Oxford University. In a statement to the Clarion, Dr Pethiyagoda said: "At a moment of greater tension, internationally and domestically than any time since 1945, Oxford requires a Chancellor with the right balance of impartiality, relatability and standing.  My background – spanning diplomacy, academia and politics – can help the university navigate an international education market in an era where Great Power war stands wait at the precipice of experience. I can advocate for the interests of staff, students & alumni because I have been all three.  My priority is to improve economic conditions for staff & students, and build a closer-knit alumni community. He also requested a public debate, saying: “While this has not been done before, the process this time is different. It would be in the interests of democracy, transparency & a more informed electorate.”
• Jan Royall, principal of Somerville College and Labour leader of the House of Lords during Gordon Brown’s government, has also joined the crowded field to become the next Chancellor.

Trains and buses

• Rail minister Lord Hendy has promised more marshals to help pedestrians, especially those with reduced mobility, past the Botley Road bridge works. In a letter to Oxford City Council leader Susan Brown, he says he is “acutely aware of the disruption the closure is causing”. Cllr Brown had written to Lord Hendy to “highlight concerns about the length of time” of the closure. He responded “We are pressing Network Rail closely as it continues to produce a robust plan for completing the works… I am urgently waiting to hear from Network Rail.” Other interim measures will include GWR staff on the Botley Road side of the station, offering escorts to the station, and improvements to signage and lighting. The Botley Flyer shuttle bus now runs five days a week and the towpath under Sheepwash Bridge has reopened.
• The North Cotswold Line Taskforce has reconvened to look at improvements to the Oxford–Worcester line. Its previous plans were criticised for promoting fast Worcester services at the expense of Oxfordshire stations – the line goes through Hanborough, Charlbury and Kingham – but it has now set up a subgroup looking at better provision for Oxfordshire as well. A meeting this week was attended by new Witney MP Charlie Maynard and Oxfordshire County Council leader Liz Leffman.

Walking and cycling

• Lime hire bikes are being introduced in Oxford. The dockless bikes, booked and unlocked via Lime’s Bluetooth-enabled app or through Uber, join the recent Voi rollout in what is becoming a second wave of city bike hire.
• Five primary schools in Oxfordshire are set to have their school streets scheme enforced by ANPR cameras following a decision at Thursday’s county council meeting. Following a successful trial run by volunteers, the cameras will be installed in October & November, at the school street entry points. They will operate during set school drop-off and pick-up times, on school days only. School street residents can apply for exemptions. The schools are:
  • St Mary and St John Primary School, Oxford
  • Sandhills Community Primary School, Oxford
  • Tyndale Community (Primary) School, Oxford
  • New Hinksey Primary School, Oxford
  • Manor Primary School, Didcot
• Sandy Lane West in Littlemore is to get a new humped zebra crossing and raised side-road entries, to improve safety for children attending St John Fisher primary school. The plans had support from the school and local residents.
• Botley Road’s narrow cycle lane will be replaced with a wider one, but only “advisory” (dashed line) meaning that vehicles may legally enter. Oxfordshire County Council’s highways cabinet member Andrew Gant approved the plans at Thursday’s council meeting. He recognised cycling groups wanted a better solution. “I share the ambition of those who want to do more. Is this the end of the story? Absolutely not. This is an cost-neutral interim step that makes life better for cyclists along Botley Road.”
  In 2017 cyclist Claudia Comberti died on the Botley Road; after her foot slipped off a pedal, she fell and was hit by a bus. We wrote about Oxford's cycling infrastructure in a Clarion long read in 2023 here.

Oxfordshire politics

Parliament is back from its recess and the county's MPs are off to a rocketing start.

• Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds has covered issues from Sudan to Gaza in her ministerial role but found time to visit the Cowley Road Carnival and follow it up with time on the doorsteps in nearby Donnington with Lord Mayor Mike Rowley.
• Banbury MP Sean Woodcock is holding a constituency surgery in Banbury on 13th September. He's also recruiting a Constituency Assistant and Caseworkers if you fancy working for an MP.
• Oxford West & Abingdon MP Layla Moran has spoken in Parliament on Sudan, on the impact of technology in public services, sent condolences to the family of Israeli-American hostage Hersh Goldberg, murdered by Hamas, and welcomed the suspension of arms export licenses to Israel. She has also written to the Education Secretary and Foreign Secretary to campaign for Britain to rejoin the Erasmus scheme.
• Henley & Thame MP Freddie van Mierlo opened the Henley Regatta for the disabled. He wrote to the Chief Executive of the Environment Agency to press for action on the Marsh Lock bridge in Henley. He has been at Henley Baptist Church, seeing the food bank, children's project and youth centre there. He can also be spotted sliding in to the background of the TV shot of colleague Olly Glover's speech on the railways (at 1.17, if you're interested). We see the Oxfordshire MPs have got each others' backs. Speaking of which...
• Olly Glover, MP for Didcot and Wantage and railways expert, spoke at the third reading of the Passenger Railway Services bill. By way of illustration he spoke about his disastrous rail commute in from Didcot that day, and advocated for rail infrastructure improvements in Oxfordshire. He attended a cross party railways meeting, and expressed reservations on the Stevenson reservoir (see our top stories). He met with cancer charities on the Tobacco and Vapes bill, and enjoyed a weekend in the constituency at the Didcot Model Railway exhibition.
• Calum Miller, MP for Bicester & Woodstock, was the subject of an interview with PoliticsHome. The chat covers immigration, the Conservative/LibDem coalition, Donald Trump and (of course) sewage. He made his maiden speech this week, highlighting the work of community volunteers, and campaigned on Thames Water.
• Charlie Maynard, MP for Witney has met with the North Cotswold Line taskforce (see above) and asked the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food & Rural Affairs to appoint a special administrator for Thames Water. (They said no, not yet.) He also met with the West Oxfordshire planning team to explore bringing more services to Witney.

This weekend

• Girlguiding Oxfordshire Heritage Open Days. Saturday & Sunday, 10.30am-3.30pm: Jubilee House and Campsite, Horton Road OX33 1AQ. Relive your Guiding days, and share your memories with the archives team. Activities for everyone, including challenges from across the years. Dressing up boxes will be out for children to try on uniforms from the past and archives will be open with books, badges and other memorabilia.
• Barton Leisure Centre Big Splash Day, this Saturday. Free activities for the whole family to enjoy, including swimming lessons for kids of all ages. There will also be chances for customers to try the centre’s brand-new pool inflatable for free.
• It’s over the county border but everyone should attend the Moreton Show once in their life. A vast agricultural show with sheep shearing contests, “best in show” farm animals, and a whole bunch of really good food, it could easily take up your whole Saturday. Moreton-in-Marsh has hourly trains from Oxford, journey time 30 minutes, and the show is just a few minutes’ walk from the station.

Dates for your diary

• Tiny Ideas Festival, 26-29 September. Early years arts festival for 0-7 years. Schedule.
• Blenheim Palace EV Live. 13-15 September. All about electric vehicles.
• Oxford Open Doors. 14–15 September. See hidden Oxford.
• Oxford Canal Festival. 20–21 September. Boating festival fun in OX2.
• Clarion Sunday, 22 September. Near Burnley in Lancashire at the last surviving Clarion House, this is the annual gathering of Clarion Cycle Clubs – the continuing tradition originally inspired by the turn-of-the-century Clarion newspaper from which our Oxford Clarion takes its name. Fancy cycling there from Oxford? Of course you do.

Notes from Clarion HQ

Finally, we were transfixed this week by this glorious re-coloured video of Oxford in the 1920s. Fifteen minutes long, and every second is worth your full attention. Enjoy.