The Impact on Our Communities
A decision that could affect communities far beyond Site A.
The Government’s proposal to accommodate up to 1,256 people at MOD Bicester Site A raises important questions for Bicester and the surrounding towns and villages.
From rural roads and public services to the local economy and community infrastructure, the potential consequences extend beyond the boundaries of the former military site.
We believe local communities deserve to understand how this development could affect their area, and what measures the Government intends to put in place to address their concerns.
Our Communities in Numbers
70,000+
People living across the wider communities identified by the campaign
The combined population estimate for Bicester and surrounding towns and villages.
1,256
Proposed accommodation capacity
The maximum number of people the Government proposes to accommodate at MOD Bicester Site A at any one time.
10+ Years
Proposed duration of the development
The accommodation is intended to operate for at least a decade.
4,000+
Estimated annual service vehicle movements
A provisional estimate of tanker and delivery movements associated with the development.
One Site. Many Communities.
The potential impact extends beyond the site boundary.
MOD Bicester Site A lies between Piddington and Upper Arncott, in a rural area close to Bicester and the Oxfordshire–Buckinghamshire boundary.
The surrounding communities include Piddington, Arncott, Ambrosden, Blackthorn, Launton, Bicester and villages further afield.
Each community has its own character, infrastructure and local concerns.
We believe the Government must consider how the development could affect the wider area, rather than focusing solely on the site itself.
Questions about transport, road safety, public services and environmental impacts need to be considered in the context of the surrounding communities.
Our Military Communities Matter Too.
Site A may be disused, but the surrounding military estate remains active.
Bicester has a long and continuing military history. While MOD Bicester Site A is no longer used for its former storage and distribution role, the wider garrison remains home to operational military facilities, specialist training establishments, serving personnel and their families.
Nearby St George’s Barracks supports specialist military training, including explosive ordnance disposal and search operations. The Piddington Training Area is associated with these activities and has historically been used for exercises involving military personnel, training explosives and pyrotechnics.
The surrounding military community also includes serving personnel, trainees and families who live and work in the area.
We believe the Government must properly consider how the proposed development could affect the existing military community, and how neighbouring military activities could affect those accommodated at Site A.
Important Questions Remain
MILITARY TRAINING & NOISE
Has the Government adequately assessed the potential effects of military training activities, including noise and simulated explosions, on people who would be living at Site A?
OPERATIONAL COMPATIBILITY
Has the proposed development been assessed alongside the operational requirements of neighbouring military facilities, including any relevant safety or security considerations?
SERVICE PERSONNEL & FAMILIES
How have the needs and circumstances of serving personnel, military families and other members of the garrison community been considered?
The wider Bicester Garrison is not a disused military estate. Its continuing role deserves proper consideration in decisions about Site A.
Is Our Local Infrastructure Ready?
A development of this scale requires careful planning to ensure that surrounding communities and existing services are properly considered.
We believe several important questions need clear answers.
- ROADS & TRANSPORT
How will additional service vehicles, deliveries, staff movements and other transport requirements affect surrounding rural roads?
What assessments have been undertaken to ensure that local routes can accommodate the additional traffic safely?
- HEALTHCARE & PUBLIC SERVICES
What additional demands could the development place on healthcare, emergency services and other local infrastructure?
What arrangements will ensure that the needs of both existing communities and people accommodated at Site A are properly met?
- COMMUNITY SAFETY
What safeguarding, security and emergency response arrangements are proposed?
How will local authorities, emergency services and neighbouring communities be involved in developing and understanding those arrangements?
- CONSTRUCTION & DISRUPTION
What impact could the construction and preparation of the site have on surrounding roads, residents and businesses?
How will noise, traffic, construction activity and other potential disruption be managed?
Local infrastructure and public services must be properly assessed, with clear plans to address any additional pressures.
Our Local Economy Matters.
Bicester is a thriving town with a growing reputation.
Bicester and the surrounding area are home to important employers, successful businesses and nationally recognised destinations.
From Bicester Village and Bicester Motion to local manufacturing, technology, engineering and independent businesses, the area has developed a strong and diverse economy.
These businesses provide employment, attract investment and contribute significantly to the area’s future.
We believe the Government should demonstrate that it has properly considered any potential effects of the proposed development on local businesses, transport infrastructure and future investment.
Decisions about the future of our area should recognise the importance of protecting its economic vitality and long-term prosperity.
Local Communities Deserve to Be Heard.
Decisions of this scale require meaningful engagement.
The proposed development has generated significant concern among local residents, community organisations and elected representatives.
These concerns deserve to be heard and addressed through a transparent, evidence-based decision-making process.
We believe the Government should clearly explain:
WHY THIS LOCATION?
What makes MOD Bicester Site A suitable for a development of this scale, and what alternatives have been considered?
WHAT WILL THE IMPACT BE?
What evidence has been used to assess the consequences for surrounding communities, roads, public services and businesses?
HOW WILL CONCERNS BE ADDRESSED?
What practical measures are proposed, and how will local communities be kept informed and involved?
Local people deserve clear answers about decisions that could affect their communities for years to come.
Our Communities Deserve Answers.
The future of Bicester and its surrounding communities matters to all of us.
We’re calling for greater transparency, proper consideration of local concerns and clear evidence that the proposed development is suitable for this location.
Help us make sure our communities’ voices are heard.