The scheme near Junction 10 of the M40 motorway will be made up of 7.26 million ft2 rail linked warehousing with an allowance made for the provision of additional 2.4 million ft2 plus of mezzanine floorspace within the warehouses.
At present there is no developer in the frame and planning is currently at initial consultancy stages with the rail freight company set to begin community consultation on Monday, 9 May 2022.
Because of its strategic importance, the rail freight terminal and its associated warehouse developments meet the criteria to be considered a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project. Which means the proposals will ultimately be decided upon by the Secretary of State for Transport.
In its preparations Oxfordshire Railfreight said its proposals respond to the recognised need to create a network of Strategic Rail Freight Interchanges throughout the country.
“This significant private sector investment will contribute to the Government’s ambition for more freight to be moved by rail rather than by road and help to create a low carbon sustainable transport system. The transfer of freight from road to rail has a significant role to play in a low carbon economy, helping to address climate change.
“The proposals will also contribute to Oxfordshire’s economic recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic by supporting growth and creating employment opportunities.
“Given its strategic importance, the proposals meet the criteria to be considered a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project. As such, the proposals will be subject to an application for a Development Consent Order (DCO) which will be submitted for examination by the Planning Inspectorate who will process the application. The Secretary of State for Transport will then consider the Inspector’s recommendation and determine the application.”
A second public consultation will be held in Winter 2022/23.
