News
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EXOq innovation district plan near Kidlington sparks debate over green belt development
Plans for a major £900 million innovation district on Oxfordshire’s green belt have sparked strong opposition from campaigners and local groups, who warn of severe traffic impacts and accuse developers of a “betrayal” over land use commitments.
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Oxfordshire launches major trial of pothole repair techniques on Banbury road
A major highways trial has begun on Wildmere Road in Banbury, where Oxfordshire County Council and contractor M Group are testing 15 different pothole repair techniques. The two-year study aims to identify the most durable, cost-effective and climate-resilient techniques, as the county continues to grapple with a surge in road defects following a severe winter.
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Plans to redevelop Warneford Hospital reapproved after review by Oxford City Council committee
Plans to redevelop the historic Warneford Hospital site in Headington have been approved for a second time by Oxford City Council, despite cross-party objections over increased parking provision, environmental concerns and warnings of a potential judicial review.
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Planning powers taken from Cherwell Council as government places council in special measures
Cherwell District Council has been placed under special planning measures by the Government after more than 11% of its major planning decisions were overturned on appeal, allowing developers to submit major schemes directly to the Planning Inspectorate.
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Oxfordshire motion tech firm Vicon powers UK-first University-based virtual production studio
Oxfordshire-based motion capture specialist Vicon has delivered a UK-first hybrid virtual production system to Arts University Bournemouth, giving students access to industry-leading filmmaking technology through a landmark £1.25 million investment.
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Primary school students shine at Science Oxford Big Science Event in Headington
Primary school pupils from Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire showcased their scientific curiosity at Science Oxford’s Big Science Event, presenting investigations ranging from chocolate strength to pond water filtration as part of a global STEM initiative.
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Adjua named first winner of new Audi Presents RISE Music Award at Henley Festival
Welsh-Ghanaian artist Adjua has been named the inaugural winner of the Audi Presents RISE Music Award at Henley Festival, marking a major milestone for the festival’s emerging talent programme in partnership with Audi.
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County Council sets out new SEND reform plan to improve early support for children and young people
Oxfordshire County Council has outlined a new three-year plan to improve support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), focusing on earlier intervention, stronger mainstream inclusion, and closer collaboration with families and health partners.
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Planted Plates opens at Signal Yard as Milton Park’s first food and beverage operator
Independent café Planted Plates has opened at Signal Yard, Milton Park, becoming the first food and beverage operator at the £14m development. The opening marks a key milestone in the ongoing transformation of Signal Yard into a mixed-use social and retail destination.
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Oxfordshire Business Awards mark 30 years with landmark celebration of regional enterprise
The Oxfordshire Business Awards (OXBA) marked their 30th anniversary with a sold-out celebration at Oxford Brookes University, bringing together 350 business leaders to recognise outstanding achievement across the county’s thriving enterprise community.
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Bicester Motion hosts public exhibition on proposed 10-year investment plan
Bicester Motion has hosted a public exhibition to showcase its proposed 10-year investment plan, inviting residents, businesses and stakeholders to view the plans and share feedback.
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Oxfordshire County Council chief executive awarded OBE in King’s Birthday Honours
Dr Martin Reeves, Chief Executive of Oxfordshire County Council, has been awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for services to local government. The honour recognises more than 25 years of leadership across major UK councils, including Coventry City Council and Oxfordshire County Council.
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Bicester Village announces flagship cultural partnership with Shreeji News
Bicester Village has announced a flagship partnership with Shreeji News, bringing together two destinations known for curated retail and editorial storytelling. The collaboration launches with a landmark first — a satellite newsstand at Bicester Village
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Oxfordshire councils prepare for July decision on local government reorganisation
Councils across Oxfordshire and West Berkshire are working jointly to prepare for a government decision expected in July that will determine whether the area moves to one, two or three unitary authorities under local government reorganisation plans.
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Cotswolds Distillery unveils Hearts and Crafts Madeira cask single malt whisky
Cotswolds Distillery has launched the seventh expression in its Hearts & Crafts series: a limited-edition Madeira Cask Single Malt Whisky. With only 1,200 bottles available, the release celebrates Arts and Crafts heritage with rich, fruit-led flavour and William Morris-inspired design.
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City Council invites public to consultation on £8m Covered Market improvement plans
Oxford City Council has opened a public consultation on proposals for an £8m programme of essential improvements to the Covered Market. The plans aim to upgrade ageing infrastructure, enhance accessibility and public spaces, and secure the long-term future of one of the city’s most historic trading sites.