Dear Neighbour,

We have an update on Puy Du Fou: the multi-million visitor attraction planned for the Cherwell countryside (land north and east of Manor Farm, Bainton Rd, Bucknell)

What are the updates?

Updates have been added to the CDC planning portal, but concerns remain around impact on roads and villages, plus the impact on anyone wanting to use this already busy network of roads. See this video from the bank holiday weekend, where a closure of the M40 led to rat running through villages.

NORA understands why car-users have to resort to this, we just highlight that the roads cannot cope and there are no measures in place to avoid this once there are 1.47 million visitors to Puy Du Fou per year.

Are there further issues with the application?

Yes! Light and noise pollution would continue late into the night, with late night light and drone shows. Pou Duy Fou’s own reports varying between a 22:30 and 23:30 end time and admission that public transport ‘can accommodate some of the evening movements’ the B4100 and local roads will be clogged into the small hours.

‘Dark zones’ for wildlife are provided (as per PDF’s recent report) but an admission that non-essential lighting will be turned off after midnight does not fill us with confidence that wildlife or local human-life are being considered. Impact on mental health & wellbeing does not factor into the responses to what PDF are calling ‘groundless criticisms’ from the local Parish Council.

Traffic reports have dismissed the Albion and Tritax (warehouse) vehicle movements, based on them being rejected at the Planning Committee meeting in January, but as you may know, these are now going to appeal with CDC refusing to provide evidence of their decision at the appeal. Puy Du Fou’s traffic modelling reports have continued to dismiss the cumulative impact of 600,000 square metres of warehouse, as well as that of the Oxford Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (OXSRFI) and we believe this unspoilt patch of Cherwell countryside deserves better – Do you?

You can still have your say, by 4th July!

Already objected to the first round of plans? That doesn’t matter, you must object again, in light of new documentation, and here is how: Click here to object before 4th July 25/02232/OUT