How to overwhelm a small area of small communities… by submitting two outrageously large and – let’s just say it – inappropriate development proposals in a week, that’s how.

Dorchester Living have submitted their plans for a 9,000 home development in the small, rural community of Heyford Park to Cherwell District Council on 22nd August, which validated their submission on 5th September, and opened a consultation period until 11th October 2025.

What are the plans?

Let’s be really clear about this: Heyford Park is a new town which is being planned, and not just as a result of its sheer size, but by its very appearance and character. Images from the architects’ own website illustrate this most clearly:

Indeed, that’s a high-rise in the distance, behind the multi-storey flats. Here’s some blurb from their website, which you’ve probably already read via various news outlets:

The vision for Heyford Park is to create a self-sufficient, sustainable settlement featuring up to 9,000 homes, including 2,700 affordable units, 900 assisted living accommodations, and 180 homes for key workers. This robust community will be supported by new schools, community facilities, employment spaces, and expansive green infrastructure.

_{Source: Proctor and Matthews Architects}

The 9,000 new homes would be in addition to the 1,200 already delivered – a town of over 10,000 homes, then.

What happens next?

Regular readers will know the drill… A consultation has been opened by Cherwell District Council until 11th October. You can view the 180-odd documents accompanying the application on the CDC planning portal.

The target decision date of 26^th December 2025. Yes, it appears the committee would meet on Boxing Day…

What you can should do

• Please comment on the application with your thoughts by 11th October 2025. Staying quiet about it isn’t an option: development in our area needs to be appropriate, proportionate and liveable for those already living and working in the area
• Support local Parish Councils of communities affected by all this development – attend meetings, offer your time and assistance as you can and wish
• Write to your local councillors and MP with your questions and concerns:
  • Calum Miller MP: calum.miller.mp@parliament.uk
  • Find your local councillor here
  • The planning reference number is 5/02190/HYBRID
• Spread the word. Please talk to your neighbours, friends, family, colleagues who live in Cherwell and encourage them to send in their own comments
• Help others to submit their comments, especially if they struggle to use the website. They can write to the Planning Team: 39 Castle Quay, Banbury, OX16 5FD, citing reference 5/02190/HYBRID

Consultation deadline: 11th October 2025

Please don’t assume something will be done about it by someone – your help and support is sorely needed too!

Sign up to our updates – you can unsubscribe anytime – to stay informed on new developments on this and other planning applications.