Witney Politicians Clash Over £80 Million Link Road
Charlie Maynard and Liam Walker are urging Oxfordshire County Council to include a contested link road in a new 1,250-home development scheme in Witney.
Liberal Democrat MP Charlie Maynard and Conservative opposition leader Liam Walker are calling for the inclusion of the West End Link Road in a development scheme to build at least 1,250 homes in Witney. The two political opponents argue that the proposed housing growth is unsustainable without the necessary road infrastructure to support it.
Oxfordshire County Council has ruled out the project, citing a feasibility study that estimates costs at £80 million. A highways assessment conducted by the council suggests that traffic impacts would not be severe, leading the authority and developers to propose active travel measures instead. These alternatives include new bus services and expanded walking and cycling routes.
While local campaigners and the Chamber of Commerce support the road, the council maintains a policy prioritizing active travel. The county cabinet will decide on October 20 whether to accept a recommendation to include the road in the West Oxfordshire Lowlands Movement and Place Plan.
