Puy du Fou has submitted a scoping opinion report to Cherwell District Council outlining plans for its £600 million historical live show and immersive experience centre near Bicester.
The 142-page report details the proposed development, which will include theatres, live shows, back-of-house facilities, restaurants, hotels, conference facilities, parking, and landscaping.
The site for the project has been identified as land to the North and East of Manor Farm, Bainton Road, Bucknell.
A Puy du Fou spokesperson stated, “Following the public launch of our UK project in July and an ongoing programme of community consultation, we are continuing to engage positively with Cherwell District Council and Oxfordshire County Council as we develop our proposals.
“We will submit a full environmental assessment of the site as part of our future planning application.
“As part of the process, we have recently submitted a ‘scoping request’ to Cherwell District Council to seek their input on the key issues that should be addressed in the environmental statement.”
The report, prepared by Savills, mentions that the live shows will focus on Britain’s rich history, although the design is still under development.
In response, the Berks, Bucks, and Oxon Wildlife Trust raised concerns about the potential impact on local wildlife species and habitats.
They noted that, due to several developments already underway or planned nearby, a careful assessment of cumulative impacts is necessary. They stressed the need to consider how the development could affect surrounding habitats and the species that inhabit them.
Thames Water, responsible for water and sewerage services, requested that the report address key infrastructure concerns, including sewage treatment demands, surface water drainage, flood risks, water supply needs, and potential impacts on neighbouring utility services. They also asked for details on how the construction would be phased to ensure infrastructure is ready before the development is occupied.
Network Rail, although noting that the proposal is not near railway infrastructure, expressed interest in assessing potential impacts on railway structures, such as bridges.
Oxfordshire County Council raised several concerns regarding the scale and location of the development, specifically its impact on local land use, landscape, access for residents, and the overall rural character of the area.
They highlighted that these effects would be felt both during construction and in the long-term operation of the development, and recommended that a comprehensive package of onsite and offsite mitigation measures be put in place to minimise negative impacts on the landscape and environment.
Thames Valley Police declined to comment on the scoping opinion report.
