‘Forever chemicals’ 40 times higher than thought near homes

Thousands of homes are planned by Dorchester Living near the former RAF Upper Heyford base, which is facing renewed scrutiny after fresh water testing showed elevated levels of per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

These chemicals are commonly associated with Aqueous Film Forming foam, a type of fire fighting foam, which would have likely been used at the base during its operation from 1918 to 1994.

These chemicals, which do not breakdown in the environment, accumulate in the body and are linked to cancers, thyroid disease and fertility problems.

Over the past few years, the Environment agency has been testing the water in a local stream called the Leys Farm Ditch, which is 4.5km downstream of Heyford Park.

Total PFAS concentrations in surface water samples collected at this locations reached up to 2.296ng/l.

Site of testing near Heyford Park (Image: Subadra Consulting Ltd)

Gallos Brook, the local community group, commissioned independent testing of a stream just 300m away from Heyford Park on April 28, 2026.

The results, analysed by Veritas Laboratory Services, which is accredited for PFAS testing, showed PFOS concentrations of 27,823ng/l.

This is 40 times higher than concentrations recorded by the EA at Leys Farm Ditch previously and 43,000 times greater than the UK annual average environmental Quality Standard for PFOS.

Subadra Consulting, who analysed the data, said the original lower downstream concentrations are likely attributable to dilution effects as additional tributaries join the watercourse.

Despite this, development on the former site is already underway, with 1,200 of a proposed 13,000 homes built over the past 15 years as part of a £5 billion project led by Dorchester Living.

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While housing plans have since been reduced, with 9,000 of the homes removed from the government’s new towns scheme, these could still be built if approved by Cherwell District Council.

Now, Gallos Brook is calling on the planning authority to pause consideration of the application while it undertakes testing to assess concerns.

In a letter to the council, Gallos Brook, said: “We believe that allowing new development to proceed in circumstances where there is a potential contamination issue would be negligent in the extreme.

“We call upon Cherwell District Council to act with future-sightedness as there are serious health consequences to those living close to contaminated sites, which could turn into a large-scale serious public health crisis.

“Failure to act decisively, and with the health of residents in mind, could have wide-reaching serious health issues for our community for generations to come.

“This community requires your help and leadership in dealing with this difficult issue.”

Cherwell District Council and Dorchester Living have all been contacted for a comment.