The project is aimed at improving transport infrastructure around Didcot and its villages. Credit: Oxfordshire County Council.

Oxfordshire County Council’s Highways England Infrastructure Fund Didcot and surrounding areas major infrastructure project has gained planning approval from Angela Rayner, the UK’s secretary of state for Housing, Communities, and Local Government.

The approval was granted after a planning inspector’s recommendation post a 21-day conjoined public inquiry earlier this year.

Funding is completed for the £332m ($349.7m) project, aimed at improving transport infrastructure around Didcot and its villages.

These discussions led to additional grants from Homes England and a commitment of up to £30m from Oxfordshire County Council’s capital budget in February 2022.

Furthermore, Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership has contributed a £10m capital investment from business rates retention within Enterprise Zones.

With the planning hurdle cleared, efforts are being directed towards finalising detailed designs and appointing contractors.

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Although the statutory orders required to acquire the land for the project are pending, private negotiations with landowners are making headway.

Construction is expected to commence in early 2026 and is projected to span two years.

Oxfordshire County Council Travel and Development Strategy cabinet member and councillor Judy Roberts said: “The approval of this application is fantastic news, as securing planning consent is a key milestone in proceeding with this project.

“This work is a big step towards tackling congestion in Didcot and the surrounding villages. It will transform travel in the Didcot area for current and future residents as well as commuters, reduce congestion in the surrounding villages, and improve air quality and noise levels.

“This project is key in providing real sustainable travel options for people in and around Didcot. It will enable more reliable journey times for buses and other vehicles and improve pedestrian and cycling connectivity.”