Bicester Motion has submitted the first phase outline planning applications to Cherwell District Council as part of its proposed 10-year masterplan for the continued evolution of its 444-acre future mobility estate in Oxfordshire.
The applications represent the next phase in the evolution of Bicester Motion and follow the recent public consultation on the wider masterplan proposals, which invited local residents, businesses and stakeholders to help shape the plans. Feedback received through the consultation has informed the submitted applications and will continue to influence future phases as the masterplan evolves.
Three applications, four character zones
The three outline planning applications comprise:
- The Rushes: outline planning application for commercial, demonstration, hospitality and customer engagement space, evolving the previously consented area into a public-facing destination where mobility and technology brands can showcase innovation.
- Command Works Phase 2: outline planning application for flexible employment space located between Mercedes-Benz-owned YASA’s new headquarters at The Ranges and the existing Bicester Heritage area, supporting the continued growth of businesses already based at Bicester Motion and those looking to join its community.
- Motion Living: outline planning application for approximately 200 low-rise, low-density apartments, including affordable housing, to create a sustainable live-work community to support businesses in attracting and retaining talent.
A fourth outline planning application is currently being finalised and is due to be submitted for The New Technical Site, providing research, development and scale-up space for pioneering mobility, engineering and technology businesses.
Together, the four outline planning applications would comprise significant new commercial floorspace alongside around 200 new apartments, supporting amenities, enhanced biodiversity and sustainable travel infrastructure, representing the first phase planning submissions for the proposed masterplan.
The vision for Bicester Motion
Situated in the heart of Motorsport Valley and the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor, Bicester Motion has established itself as a leading campus championing the development of global automotive, motorsport and mobility technology. Building on substantial investment over the past decade to restore the former RAF Bicester Aerodrome, the estate is today home to more than 50 pioneering mobility businesses with a skilled and growing workforce.
Subject to planning approval, the wider masterplan proposals are expected to make a significant contribution to the UK economy and support thousands of construction and operational jobs.
Daniel Geoghegan, chief executive officer of Bicester Motion, said: “The submission of these first phase outline planning applications marks an important milestone in the continued evolution of Bicester Motion.
“The positive engagement we received throughout the public consultation demonstrated strong interest in our long-term vision, and we are grateful to everyone who took the time to share their feedback. That input has helped shape these proposals and will continue to inform future phases.
“Over the past decade we have carefully restored Bicester’s remarkable former RAF base while creating a thriving community of innovators, engineers and pioneering businesses. These applications represent the next step in realising that vision, providing the framework for businesses to establish, scale and remain in Oxfordshire, while continuing to respect and enhance the heritage and landscape that make Bicester Motion unique and creating and boosting local skills and jobs.”
Next steps
The outline planning applications will now be considered by Cherwell District Council as part of the statutory planning process. The applications have been submitted in outline to establish the principles of development, with detailed designs to follow through future reserved matters applications.
Together, the proposals will provide the next generation of specialist space for businesses developing past, present and future mobility technologies, strengthening Bicester Motion’s role at the heart of Motorsport Valley and the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor.
For more information, visit Bicester Motion.
