New planning controls are being proposed at the Wroxton Motocross Track, following last week’s Cherwell District Council executive meeting.
Published: Monday, 22nd June 2026
The council executive voted to introduce a non-immediate Article 4 Direction, a planning tool used to remove certain permitted development rights. This decision marks the start of a statutory consultation process, during which interested parties will have the opportunity to comment before any controls are brought into force.
Currently, some temporary motocross events can take place under national rules without the need for planning permission. Subject to confirmation, the Direction would give the council greater oversight of future events at the site and help manage potential impacts on local communities and the environment.
The proposal follows ongoing work by the council to monitor activity at the site and respond to concerns raised by residents. Further updates will be published on the council’s website shortly, including details of how to make representations.
Councillor Chris Brant, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Planning and Enforcement, said: “This is a significant decision. For the first time, Cherwell District Council has agreed that the current permitted development arrangements require additional planning oversight and control.
“This is not a routine planning measure; it is a substantial intervention and a clear recognition of the concerns that residents have been raising for many years.
“I know some residents will be disappointed that these new planning controls won’t start straight away, and I understand those frustrations. However, it is important to recognise how far we have come. We have successfully moved from a position where this was not considered achievable to one where it has now been agreed.
“This decision is an important milestone as part of an ongoing process. We are committing further resources to strengthen the evidence base so we can take robust, defensible action in future, while avoiding unnecessary financial or legal risk to the council and taxpayers.
“It shows we are listening, that we have acted, and that we will continue to act to address residents’ concerns.”
The proposal would not ban motocross activity, which has taken place on the site since the 1980s. Instead, it would introduce additional planning controls over larger or more intensive events, rather than allowing them to proceed without oversight as has historically been the case. Where organisers wish to operate outside those limits, planning permission would first need to be obtained which would allow the proposals to be properly assessed. This is intended to ensure events can be properly assessed and managed.