Bicester Motion £1bn expansion faces noise and traffic objections

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 06:03 · Archive

Residents and parish councils have objected to a £1 billion expansion of Bicester Motion over concerns about noise, traffic and wildlife impacts.

Residents have warned that a £1 billion expansion of Bicester Motion risks creating a "race track in a residential area". Cherwell District Council is considering three outline applications forming the company's 10-year masterplan at its site between Caversfield and the villages of Launton and Stratton Audley. The proposals comprise The Ranges Connection, a new employment hub; The Rushes, a major public-facing destination for mobility and technology brands; and Motion Living, a scheme for around 200 apartments.

Objector Bruce Gould, of Caversfield, said expanding vehicle testing facilities would worsen existing noise problems. A Freedom of Information response showed 87 noise complaints relating to Bicester Motion between 2023 and February 2026. Mr Gould said: "On track days we are subjected to constant performance vehicle noise from 9am to 5pm. The persistence of noise affects the quality of life for residents, making it impossible to enjoy gardens, conservatories or even have windows open."

Sarah Karnik, also from Caversfield, warned that further expansion would place "unsustainable pressure" on local roads, schools and amenities. Launton Parish Council objected to The Rushes because of concerns over proposed vehicle circuits and event use, potential noise impacts on residents, and the effect on the site's open grass flying field.

Bicester Motion £1bn expansion faces noise and traffic objections — Image: Oxford Mail

Comments (0)

How it is being reported

Bicester Motion £1bn expansion risks creating 'race track in residential area'Residents, parish councils and cycling campaigners have objected to Bicester Motion's £1 billion 10-year masterplan over noise, traffic and wildlife fears.Oxford Mail · 15 Oct, 05:00
Bicester Motion £1bn expansion risks creating 'race track in residential area'Residents, parish councils and cycling campaigners have objected to Bicester Motion's £1 billion 10-year masterplan over noise, traffic and wildlife fears.Oxfordshire Guardian · 15 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Bicester Motion · Cherwell District Council · Caversfield · Launton · Stratton Audley · Bruce Gould · Sarah Karnik

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem