Henley and Thame MP slams new town plan for Chalgrove that risks UK security

Henley and Thame MP, Freddie van Mierlo, has slammed plans for a new town in Chalgrove, saying it puts UK security at risk.

Plans for 3,000 new homes on Chalgrove Airfield were included in a Local Plan devised by the then Conservative administration at South Oxfordshire District Council and forced through by Tory housing minister Robert Jenrick in 2020, now shadow Justice Secretary.

Liberal Democrats now in charge of the council are seeking to remove the site from the new Joint South and Vale Local Plan, which was approved by the two authorities and now faces government inspection before it can be adopted.

The site threatens the work of the Martin Baker Aircraft Company which has a long lease on the site and requires use of the three runways and airfield to test ejector seats for military aircraft, as well as manufacturers the rocket propellant and ballistic cartridges that ejects the seats in an emergency. The airfield is also used by the NHS, RAF Benson, Thames Valley Air Ambulance, and police.

Speaking following the meeting, Freddie van Mierlo MP said,

“I have long campaigned against this unsuitable site for housing, which hosts a fantastic, world leading British defence company. Martin Baker’s work to test, develop and manufacture ejector seats saves the lives of airmen and women in the RAF and armed forces of Britain’s strategic allies. The company supplies 92 air forces and navies, and with over 50% of the market, any disruption puts UK and global security at risk.

“To disrupt their operations at a time of such global uncertainty and rising tensions is completely nonsensical. I’m standing steadfast behind Martin Baker and our armed forces”.

Local Lib Dem County Councillor Judith Edwards and District Councillor David Turner joined Freddie van Mierlo on the visit.

Cllr Edwards said,

“Chalgrove is entirely the wrong place for a new town. It is a rural location without the kind of public transport needed to support thousands of new homes. The site requires a vast road building programme to support it, contrary to Oxfordshire County Councils stated aims of reducing car journeys”

“It has been great to see how the airfield is already being put to great use supporting hundreds of high-quality local jobs. I know just how deep the affection is for this company in Chalgrove and will fight for its long-term future here in heart of South Oxfordshire”

Cllr David Turner added,

“Chalgrove’s future as a village has had a "Sword of Damocles" held over its head for the last seven years by Homes England.”

“The airfield regulator (Civil Aviation Authority) said that the previously withdrawn planning application was dangerous. I cannot see that changing with their unsubmitted proposal adding a small piece of land to the north of the airfield, a view supported by Martin Baker Aircraft Company. It is time for Homes England to abandon their project which several years ago had already cost taxpayers £12M.”