In November 2019, Great Lakes UK Ltd submitted a planning application to build a new leisure resort in Chesterton, Bicester. The application including proposals to build a hotel, waterpark, family entertainment centre, conferencing facilities and restaurants on a site to the east of the M40 and south of the A4095.
In September 2020, Great Lakes UK Ltd submitted an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate. In May 2021, the appeal was allowed and planning permission granted. I was deeply disappointed by this decision as I have always felt the plans are completely inappropriate for Chesterton.
I have since had meetings with Parishes Against Wolf, Chesterton Parish Council, Cherwell District Council, Oxfordshire County Council and Great Wolf themselves about the development in Chesterton. Our discussions have been helpful as they have provided an opportunity talk about the outcome of the Planning Appeal and understand our next steps. At my meeting with Great Wolf it was clear that they are keen to do what they can to work with the local community and work out appropriate mitigation for the village. While we all remain disappointed that the appeal was allowed, I do think it is important for us to work together going forward.
Great Wolf have now launched a webpage to keep residents up to date. Click here to visit this.
