A public inquiry is currently being held regarding plans for the construction of 13 large warehouses near Stoke Lyne, Oxfordshire, which would cover approximately six million square feet of land. Wafic Said, an 86-year-old Saudi billionaire and landowner, is supporting local residents in their opposition to the development. The inquiry follows the refusal of Cherwell District Council to grant permission for the project, which is being pursued by logistics companies Tritax Big Box and Albion Land. The council's deputy leader, Chris Brant, indicated that defending the refusal at the appeal stage would likely be unsuccessful.
The proposed warehouses would be situated beside the M40 motorway and could reach heights of up to 25 meters, making them visible from distances of up to 2 kilometers. Barrister James Maurici, representing the local opposition, emphasized the scale of the project, comparing the height of the buildings to over five stacked double-decker buses. The total area of the development would extend over 1.4 kilometers in length and 2.2 kilometers in width, covering land that is currently unspoiled and home to protected species.
Local residents have formed the Stoke Lyne Action Team to raise funds for their legal defense against the development, amassing around £50,000. They argue that the warehouses would significantly alter the character of the community and create an eyesore. In contrast, Tritax and Albion Land's representatives claim the development would generate thousands of jobs and contribute up to £410 million annually to the local economy. The inquiry is expected to conclude by the end of October.