Here’s the latest newsletter from East West Rail.
Click here or on the image to view or download.
The 5G Mast Siting – How to Object
Anyone who wishes to object to the proposed siting of the 5G mast on Peregrine Way must do so quickly. The latest date for objections to be submitted is Tuesday 11th July 2023.
Objections can be made by email or by a letter to the Planning Inspectorate. Here are more details provided via Cherwell District Council. The full advice from the Council is found here.
- If you wish to email any comments, please email East2@planninginspectorate.gov.uk and address your email to the case officer, who in this case is Caroline Harvey. All representations must quote the appeal reference, which is 23/00075/REF
- If you do not have access to the internet, you can send your comments to Caroline Harvey, The Planning Inspectorate, Room 3B (Eagle Wing) Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Bristol, BS1 6PN. All representations must quote the appeal reference, which is 23/00075/REF
- Please ensure that any further comments you may wish to make are received at the Planning Inspectorate by 11 July 2023 at the latest, otherwise there is a risk that the Inspector will not see them. If comments are received after the deadline, the Inspector will not normally look at them and they will be returned to you.
The Planning Inspectorate will not acknowledge representations. They will, however, ensure that letters received by the deadline are passed on to the Inspector dealing with the appeal.
The Langford Village Community Association opposes the siting of the 16m tall mast (with three associated cabinets) at the current proposed location on the grass verge near Falcon Mead and Merlin Way – but is not against the 5G mast being built elsewhere in the vicinity which is more clearly acceptable and will not cause detriment to the people who live on Langford.
Please use the buttons below to share to your social media or individuals who be interested in taking such action over the mast.
HUGE NEW 5G MAST ON PEREGRINE WAY MAY STILL BE BUILT
A government Planning Inspector must now rule on whether a towering 5G mast to improve mobile signal coverage should be built on a grass verge alongside Peregrine Way at Langford Village.
Cherwell District Council threw out the original plan for the 16m tall mast in August last year on grounds of its adverse visual impact and detriment to local residents. But now the company that’s seeking permission to build – CK Hutchison Networks – has launched a formal appeal as it still wishes to go ahead on the same chosen site.
Anyone who wishes to add further comments, either in support or opposition, now has until 13th July 2023 to submit them. Before making a decision the government Planning Inspector will then make a visit to the site, which is near the junction to Merlin Way but on the opposite side of the road and towards Falcon Mead and the roundabout.
A number of local objectors, including the LVCA, have also opposed the chosen site as they also believe it’s unsuitable but have suggested that the applicants to build the mast should seek a better site somewhere else that’s still in the Langford vicinity.
An idea of how the Langford mast would look – this one is on Leach Road in west Bicester
To view the original LVCA posts on the Langford mast please click here and also here
London Road Level Crossing Update
The long awaited announcement by East West Rail on the future of the level crossing following public consultation in 2021 has now been made.
Click here to read the section of its latest document that is relevant to this.
For more advanced information on the issues and options that are contained in the Technical Report section of EWR’s latest information please click here
The main points are:
➡ The level crossing may now be able to remain open for traffic
➡ A new underpass or bridge for pedestrians there is a possibility
➡ A road bridge for traffic or a traffic underpass on London Road is ruled out
➡ A new road bridge crossing (that could be lifted into position) over a suitable route to the south or east of the existing crossing may be a possibility
➡ A detailed proposal for consultation will not be put forward until next year
Click here to read the latest comment by the LVCA Chairman.
A BBC South TV news report broadcast on 29th May can be viewed here
What are your thoughts now? Join in and comment on the LVCA’s facebook page.
East West Rail is holding a public event at the John Paul II Centre in Bicester on Wednesday 12th July 2023 between 2pm and 8pm. This is an opportunity to meet the EWR team and discuss latest announcements and plans surrounding the London Road level crossing.
Election Results – District and Town Council
Here is the outcome of the May 4th 2023 poll to elect a District Councillor for Bicester South and Ambrosden Ward and also to elect four Town Councillors for South Ward of Bicester Town Council.
East West Rail – Spring 2023
London Road Level Crossing Report on Meridian TV
Meridian TV visited our area and broadcast a report on 30th March 2023 that focused on the issues and possible solutions to keeping a route open across the East West rail line at London Road when the new train services start.
Comments were provided by the Chair of Langford Village Community Association, Carole Hetherington, Oxfordshire County Councillor Calum Miller, and a number of local residents.
If you missed Natalie Verney’s report on broadcast tv, it’s still available to watch here.
What solution do you wish to see? Post a comment here or on the LVCA facebook page.
Wine Tasting in the Hall – Sat 20th May at 6pm – Book Now
There’s another of our popular wine tasting events coming soon at the Hall.
Join us to learn about and sample more wines chosen by Langford’s own wine expert – Sandra Davies. These occasional events are really popular and you’ll be able to try a range of good wines in a friendly and fun atmosphere over two hours for just £10 per person.
Click on the button right now and book early to secure your places for this event.
If you prefer to book over the phone then please call 07869 797030
London Road Latest on BBC Radio Oxford
LISTEN to the latest media coverage on the issue of Bicester’s London Road Level Crossing.
CLICK on the ▶ play button below
COMMENT on this post below or on the LVCA facebook page.
Surgery Relocation Plans Ended
The Langford Medical Practice building in Nightingale Place will continue to remain open now that an announcement has been made that relocation to Graven Hill is no longer possible.
Alchester Medical Group, which has its surgeries at Langford and Victoria House, on Buckingham Road, has revealed that a funding gap has prevented the relocation project moving ahead with its development partner Assura and health service commissioners not being able to reach a satisfactory agreement.
A full statement about the ending of the Bicester Health and Wellbeing Hub project is provided on the Alchester website and can be found here.
Watch the BBC South TV report by Angela Walker and featuring the LVCA Chairman by clicking below.