A UK Government body has announced it is unable to support plans to build up to 13,000 homes on a decommissioned armed forces base in Oxfordshire.
The former RAF Upper Heyford site, earmarked for substantial housing development, is undergoing scrutiny due to heightened levels of per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, frequently referred to as persistent environmental contaminants.
Research has linked these compounds to tumour formation, thyroid dysfunction and fertility complications. The chemicals are commonly present in fire suppression agents, which would have been deployed at the site throughout its operational period spanning 1918 to 1994.
A nationwide initial assessment study, published in Chemosphere, documented increased levels in surface water at the Leys Farm Ditch monitoring point, a watercourse flowing into Gallos Brook located roughly four kilometres from the former airfield.
Development work has already begun, with 1,200 of the planned dwellings constructed over the past decade and a half as part of a five billion pound project overseen by Dorchester Living.
The Environment Agency, charged with protecting and improving England’s natural surroundings, provides advice on planning submissions to ensure no development results in environmental damage.
The body indicated it cannot currently support the Heyford Park scheme as the proposal does not adequately demonstrate that possible pollution threats to water quality from sewage and surface water management can be addressed safely.
While housing plans have subsequently been reduced, with 9,000 units eliminated from the administration’s new settlements programme, these could still advance should Cherwell District Council provide consent.
The Environment Agency noted, however, that any link between the project and PFAS contamination would form part of the planning authority’s evaluation.
The agency added that it examines the application itself rather than evidence presented by parties supporting or objecting to it. Consequently, watercourse sampling data from nearby locations would not influence its guidance. Nonetheless, should it conclude that pollution risks can be mitigated appropriately, its stance could change.
Cherwell District Council responded that it would carefully consider all significant issues raised by community members when determining the application, which would involve seeking advice from specialist consultants where appropriate.
The council stated it would not make a decision until a report concerning the proposed development is presented to the planning committee.
Oxfordshire County Council supports the Environment Agency’s position.
The council observed that while the county authority plays an important role in development planning, these specialist agencies bear responsibility for verifying that land is suitable for residential use and that groundwater remains safeguarded against contamination.