Jonathan Aitken slams Oxfordshire M40 warehouse plan

Cherwell District Council refused the planning of the controversial development of warehouses of the M40.

The council will now not appear at the inquiry in September to defend its own refusal, despite mass objections from the community.

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Jonathan Aitken (Image: Oxford Mail)

Revd Aitken said: “This is a story, in the words of Alice in Wonderland, which grows “Curiouser and curiouser!”

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A CGI of some of the warehouses (Image: Cherwell District Council)

Reverend Jonathan Aitken said: “Officers appear to have taken the decision to capitulate behind closed doors – in discussions with the developer, only later informing the community and public.

“This may be without precedent; certainly it is hard to see how it is lawful.

He said: “Instead of accepting this decision and opposing the appeal in the normal way, the unelected officers seem to have said to themselves: “So what? Let’s resume our support to the developers by throwing in the towel and giving them a clear run at the appeal.” 

A CGI of new warehouses (Image: Cherwell District Council)

“Are the voters and residents of Oxfordshire happy to see unelected officers ignoring and overruling the decision of elected councillors?

Councillor Chris Brant, deputy leader of Cherwell District Council and portfolio holder for planning and enforcement, said: “The decision not to actively defend the refusals at appeal has not been taken lightly.

“Following detailed legal and professional advice, the Council has had to consider not only the strength of local opposition but also the likelihood of successfully defending the reasons for refusal.

“Regrettably, the evidence available to the Council is not considered strong enough to provide a realistic prospect of success at appeal.”