Cherwell District Council has ordered the developer Vistry to submit the assessment for the Bicester proposal following a scoping application decision which highlighted concerns about traffic, wildlife and the loss of open countryside.

The plans, which include an 80-bed care home, a local centre and open space, sits on about 75ha of farmland and is parcelled between the A41, the Chiltern railway line and the Blackthron Road.

The site wraps around the Grade II listed Blackthorn Hill windmill and Mill House Farm, and it includes a Local Wildlife Site and land within a Conservation Target Area.

In a formal scoping opinion, the council stated the unallocated greenfield site has the potential for “significant environmental effects” and sets out what Vistry’s environmental statement must cover.

Map showing developments in Bicester, with the red section showing where the latest 1,000 homes could go (Image: Cherwell District Council)

Topics include population and human health, biodiversity, land and soils, water, air quality, climate, heritage assets, transport and cumulative impacts with other major developments around Bicester and Upper Heyford.

The decision does not approve the scheme but sets a high evidential bar before any outline application can be decided.

Ambrosden Parish Council “strongly objects” to the proposal, citing its absence from any local plan allocation and fears over infrastructure, traffic and biodiversity.

Launton Parish Council raised concerns about extra pressure on the A41 roundabout, possible drainage impacts on Launton Brook and an already stretched sewerage network.

Councillors also question why a development of this scale does not clearly include a new school to absorb the likely rise in pupil numbers.

View of the site where the homes could be built (Image: Cherwell District Council)

An environmental document for the early-stage plans also raised concerns about the damage to a “high archaeological potential” site.

A geological survey showed it lies on a landscape of rich Roman activity through anomalies including ring ditches, potential boundaries and kilns.

READ MORE: 1,000 Bicester homes could damage Roman site near A41

Environmental groups warn the scheme could damage a highly sensitive landscape of meadows and wildlife corridors.

The Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust says the site, which sits close to the Upper Ray reserves and several Local Wildlife Sites, risks severing an important chain of habitats.

It argues that, to avoid this, the northern part of the site should be retained as a substantial nature reserve, with between 34 and 42ha, roughly 40 per cent of the land, dedicated to wildlife and green space, delivering biodiversity net gain entirely on site.

Oxfordshire County Council says a full Transport Assessment must examine impacts on key A41 junctions and walking and cycling routes to schools and neighbouring developments.

Network Rail has lodged a holding objection over potential extra use of nearby level crossings and insists that no works proceed until rail safety and protection measures are agreed.

The Royal Air Force Falcons Parachute Display Team were seen performing as part of the inaugural Great British Farm-Fest.

The team delivered their parachute display on Saturday May 23, showing their acrobatic moves to the reported 20,000 people in attendance on the day.

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Officer Commanding RAF Falcons Flt Lt Dom Compton-Davies said: “We were delighted to be part of the Great British Farm-Fest and to bring our display to a new audience.

“Events like this provide a fantastic opportunity for the team to engage with communities, inspire future generations and showcase the professionalism of the Royal Air Force.”

Based and trained at Brize Norton, the Falcons are known for their precision, teamwork, and professionalism in delivering high-impact parachute displays.

Jeremy Clarkson retuning the salute (Image: RAF)

They also serve as ambassadors for the RAF, inspiring young people and engaging with communities at public events.

For one young spectator, who got to meet the team after their display, it was a particularly meaningful event as his grandfather had served as a Parachute Jumo Instructor at RAF Brize Norton.

The festival was led by former Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson, who lives in Oxfordshire where his hit series Clarkson’s Farm is filmed.

The event had been promoted as a celebration of farmers’ skills and produce, mixing “the traditional joy of a large country fair with the excitement and energy of a modern music festival”.

However, the reception to it has been mixed with a select few traders leaving early while “struggling to hold back tears”, branding it “catastrophic” and a “shambles”.

RAF Falcons fan base (Image: RAF)

However, others defended Mr Clarkson and Farm Fest.

In a statement, organisers said: “We have been working closely with traders at The Great British Farm-Fest to provide support during our inaugural weekend.

“We are surprised that a handful of exhibitors, out of the 400 who attended, left the show within a few hours of the first day without experiencing an event that has attracted over 50,000 visitors.”

The entertainment on Sunday included Alex James from Blur and 10cc, with Sophie Ellis-Bextor also performing in the days before.

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The RAF Falcons can next be seen at the Midlands Air Festival this coming weekend (29 to 31 May) as part of a wide-ranging schedule this summer.

The team kicked off their 2026 display season with a launch event at their home base, RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.

They performed a live parachute display from a C17 Globemaster in front of an audience that included children from local schools, invited guests, and members of the station’s whole force.

Police units and a forensic team were seen late on the morning of the Wednesday, May 27, as well as a car being carried away by a truck, but much of the shut section of the A40 was empty.

The closure in east Oxford occurred from 3am westbound between the Headington roundabout with the A420 and Eastern Bypass Road, and the junction with the B4150 next to Oxford City Football Club.

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As of 1pm, it remained closed although forensics appeared to have left the scene and the cycle path next to it is open.

Meanwhile Thames Valley Police confirmed a man in his 20s died following reports of a fear for welfare incident, which occurred shortly after 2.45am.

Photos from the A40 near Headington after a fatal incident in the early hours of May 27 (Image: Matthew Evans)

A spokesperson for the force said: “We were called at around 2.45am this morning (May 27) following reports of a fear for welfare on the A40, near to Headington. 

“Emergency services attended but sadly a man aged in his 20s was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Photos from the A40 near Headington after a fatal incident in the early hours of May 27 (Image: Contributed)

“His death is being treated as unexplained, but not suspicious, and a file will be prepared for the coroner.

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“His family have been informed and are being supported.”

As a result of the road closure, drivers have been reporting long delays and congestion backed up to the Headington Roundabout and further along the A40 London Road.

Oxfordshire County Council has been approached on whether the Marston Ferry Road congestion charge point may be suspended while the A40 westbound and Marsh Lane access remains closed.