Concerns Expressed over the Oxfordshire Strategic Rail Freight Interchange
14th July 2026
CPRE Oxfordshire have formally registered our interest in the examination of the proposed Oxfordshire Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) and submitted detailed comments to the Planning Inspectorate setting out why we believe the scheme should not proceed in its current form.
While we support moving freight from road to rail in principle, we are not convinced this proposal would achieve that aim to any significant extent. Instead, we believe the environmental damage and loss of countryside would far outweigh any potential benefits.
Our request builds on the concerns we first raised during the initial consultation in 2022, many of which remain unresolved.
Our key concerns:
1. The scheme should not be treated as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project
We believe this proposal is fundamentally a commercial warehousing and road freight development rather than nationally significant infrastructure.
In our view, there is insufficient evidence that it would result in a meaningful shift of freight from road to rail and reduce the road mileage of lorries. We are concerned that the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) process is being used to bypass the level of local scrutiny that such a large commercial development would normally receive through the local planning system.
2. The need for this development has not been demonstrated
We question whether another strategic rail freight interchange is needed in this location.
Existing facilities at Daventry and Northampton Gateway already serve the region, while Cherwell and the surrounding area have seen substantial growth in warehousing and logistics development over the past decade, with further proposals already in the pipeline.
We are also concerned that the business case does not adequately consider the costs of the significant highway and rail infrastructure improvements that would be required, or whether the scheme would be fully utilised if built.
3. The cumulative impact has not been properly assessed
The proposed SRFI cannot be considered in isolation.
The area around Junction 10 of the M40 is already facing significant development pressure, including thousands of new homes, multiple large logistics parks and the proposed Puy du Fou theme park.
Taken together, these developments would have major implications for traffic, infrastructure, water resources, the environment and the rural landscape. We believe these cumulative impacts have not been properly assessed.
4. Road congestion and transport impacts remain a major concern
Despite being promoted as a rail freight facility, the development would generate substantial road traffic.
Given the site’s distance from major population centres and limited public transport, we believe many employees would have little option but to travel by car.
We are concerned that Junction 10 of the M40 and surrounding roads are already under considerable pressure and that the proposed mitigation measures would be insufficient, particularly if other major developments in the area proceed.
5. The environmental cost would be too great
The proposed development would result in the loss of a significant area of productive agricultural land.
At a time when food security is becoming increasingly important, we believe there has been inadequate consideration of the long-term value of retaining this land for farming.
We have also highlighted significant shortcomings in the Environmental Statement, echoing concerns raised by Cherwell District Council’s ecologist. These include insufficient protection for ancient woodland, veteran trees and a nearby Site of Special Scientific Interest, weaknesses in the Biodiversity Net Gain assessment, and inadequate consideration of impacts on bats, skylarks and other wildlife.
In addition, we remain concerned about the impact on heritage assets and the wider rural landscape.
Protecting Oxfordshire’s countryside
Oxfordshire’s countryside is under increasing pressure from speculative large-scale development. We believe major infrastructure proposals must be supported by robust evidence of need, carefully assessed alternatives and a full understanding of their cumulative impacts.
While we recognise the importance of decarbonising freight transport, this should not come at the expense of irreplaceable countryside, productive farmland and thriving rural communities without compelling evidence that the benefits justify the harm.
We have therefore registered our interest in the examination and will continue to engage throughout the Development Consent Order process to ensure the countryside and local communities have a strong voice.
We will keep members and supporters updated as the examination progresses.