Before the gates open: have your say on the Puy du Fou proposal
29th June 2026
Have your say on the proposed Puy du Fou theme park before 4 July
CPRE Oxfordshire is urging members and supporters to share their views on proposals for a major new theme park, Puy du Fou, which would be built on open farmland bordering the village of Bucknell, north-west of Bicester in the Cherwell district.
The proposed development would transform a large rural area, with significant implications for farmland, the countryside, wildlife, local communities and existing infrastructure. We are encouraging people to take part in the consultation and make their views known before the deadline of 4 July.
If you only have 5 minutes
Please complete this survey supported by CPRE Oxfordshire, which has been prepared by North Oxfordshire Residents’ Action (NORA).
The survey asks you to select up to four key reasons why you object from a list of suggested options, and to add a short explanation of “why this development would personally affect you” if relevant.
All responses will be forwarded to the Cherwell planning application portal.
If you have more time
You can also submit your comments directly through the Cherwell planning portal.
Select the option in the top left-hand corner to “Comment on this application”.
We encourage you to write comments in your own words, but issues you may wish to raise include:
- Loss of productive farmland
The proposal would result in the loss of productive agricultural land, raising concerns about future food security. CPRE Oxfordshire has previously called for a full assessment of the impact on Best and Most Versatile agricultural land, which has not been undertaken. - Harm to the gap between settlements
The development would erode the countryside gap between Bucknell village and Stoke Wood, fundamentally changing the character and identity of the area. This landscape provides visual separation between settlements, wildlife habitat and an important sense of rural openness. - Increased flood risk
Flooding is already a concern locally. The creation of large areas of hard surfacing could increase surface water runoff and put additional pressure on local drainage systems and groundwater. - More traffic on rural roads
The surrounding road network is already under pressure. A development expected to attract around 1.47 million visitors each year would significantly increase traffic movements on rural roads and through nearby communities.
- Impact on wildlife and dark skies
The proposed mitigation measures, including designated “dark zones” and switching off non-essential lighting after midnight, do not provide sufficient protection for wildlife or nearby residents. The scale and operation of the development would create ongoing impacts on the natural environment.
- Loss of irreplaceable ancient woodland
Ancient woodland is an irreplaceable habitat. The loss of mature woodland cannot be offset by planting new trees elsewhere, as newly planted trees cannot recreate the ecological value of ancient habitats.
- Cumulative impact of development in the area
The proposed theme park forms part of a wider pattern of major development pressures across this part of Oxfordshire. Alongside Puy du Fou, proposals include a Rail Freight Interchange (NSIP), around 9,000 homes and further expansion at Heyford Park, large-scale warehousing near the M40 and other speculative developments. There is currently no clear strategic overview of the combined impact of these proposals on the countryside, wildlife, transport networks, infrastructure and local services.
Please make your views count and submit your comments before 4 July.