Today

Wednesday, 17 June 2026

Today's practical local briefing for Oxfordshire: official updates, planning and records, travel signals, events and useful source checks across Oxford, Abingdon, Didcot, Witney, Bicester and Banbury.

OpenPlans for Gypsy and Traveller site on farmland get 46 objectionsNearly 50 people have objected to a planning application for a Traveller family to use a parcel of land on a farm in Watlington as a caravan site.OpenBanbury to submit expression of interest for Town of Culture 2028The council is teaming up with community organisations to launch a bid for Banbury to be named UK Town of Culture 2028.OpenCouncil adds Midland House in Botley to its office space for 2027/8Oxfordshire County Council has added Midland House in Botley to its wider office accommodation plans for the interim period between County Hall closing as an office to be reimagined as a hotel and a renewed Speedwell House entering service. The Botley office, located on West Way near Seacourt Tower, is viewed as an ideal spot given it offers practical, well-equipped workspaces as well offering good transport links including proximity to Seacourt Park and Ride. The move is part of the council’s broader programme to make best use of its buildings, support more flexible ways of working, and make sure teams have access to suitable, modern office space across Oxfordshire. County Hall will close in late 2026 and Speedwell House will open in Spring 2028. Contracts were exchanged in late 2025 for the sale of County Hall to global investor and UK real estate owner and operator L&G, on behalf of its Managed Property Fund. They have commissioned developers Reef Origin who already have strong experience of working in Oxford. Cllr Dan Levy, Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Transformation, said: “ We are looking forward in coming times to seeing Speedwell House taking shape as a new net zero office in 2028 as well as watching County Hall change and then thrive in its new guise as a hotel. The sale of County Hall is providing the funding for the renewal of Speedwell House. The plan works financially as well as operationally. “The move to Speedwell House will help regenerate and boost that area just to the south of the city centre and the hotel at County Hall is part of continued work to improve the western arrival into the city, with the council having recently acquired the lease at the Oxford Castle complex and the transformation that is underway around the railway station. “Our existing offices throughout the county will provide bases for our teams and these will now be supplemented by the excellent and ideally located Midland House. These are solid plans from which our officers can continue to provide excellent services to the people of Oxfordshire,”OpenOxford Health District Nursing Service shortlisted for the 2026 HSJ Patient Safety AwardsWe are delighted to announce that the District Nursing Service has been shortlisted for the Improving Medicines Safety Award at the HSJ Patient Safety Awards 2026, which recognises the critical work being done to address the complexities of delivering safe care amidst times of significant change and long-standing pressures.OpenResearch colleagues unite at Oxford Pride 2026This year, our Research and Development colleagues attended Oxford Pride 2026 to show support for the local LGBTQIA+ community, speaking to attendees about our research opportunities.OpenNursery told leadership needs 'urgent improvement' after poor inspectionA nursery near Abingdon has been found to not have checked all of their staff for criminal records during a routine Ofsted inspection.OpenChair’s lunch raises funds for people experiencing homelessness and refugeesLocal homelessness and refugee charities are in line for generous donations thanks to the Chair of the council’s fundraising efforts.OpenNew ideas for Castle Quay at the heart of Banbury’s ongoing transformationBanbury town centre is set for a boost as plans progress to help bring new life, experiences and opportunities to Castle Quay and the surrounding area.OpenOxfordshire County Council Chief Executive awarded OBE in King’s Birthday HonoursDr Martin Reeves, Chief Executive of Oxfordshire County Council, has been awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours in recognition of his outstanding service to local government. Martin has led Oxfordshire County Council since March 2023, bringing with him more than 25 years’ experience in senior leadership roles across local government. Prior to joining Oxfordshire, he served as Chief Executive of Coventry City Council for over 14 years, during which time the city saw its most significant transformation since the post-war period. Under his leadership, Coventry became the first Marmot City in the country using innovative approaches to reducing health inequalities. He continued his work with Professor Sir Michael Marmot and the health equity team at University College London as Oxfordshire launched the first countywide Marmot place in 2024. He was also instrumental in establishing the West Midlands Mayoral Combined Authority and was its first Chief Executive from March 2016 to September 2017. Throughout his career Martin has been at the forefront of public service reform, driving innovation, partnership working and transformation programmes across complex organisations. His leadership has helped shape modern local government, including his role as a former President of the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (SOLACE) and the first Honorary President of LARIA (Local Area Research and Intelligence Association). Martin said: “I’m incredibly honoured to receive this award. Local government is ultimately about people and unique places and, over the past 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside dedicated and passionate colleagues and councillors who make a real, positive difference in their communities every day. “The best of local government is when we bring people together across a place, understand what really matters locally, and help create the conditions for positive change. This award genuinely reflects that collective effort.” Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, Cllr Tim Bearder, said: “This honour is thoroughly deserved. Martin has made a real and lasting difference in Oxfordshire and across local government more widely. He combines insight, integrity and ambition with a genuine commitment to public service and improving the lives of the people we serve. “His good humour, approachable nature and personable leadership style make him a real pleasure to work alongside. I particularly admire his willingness to explore new solutions and drive innovation to create a better and more effective council. “We’re extremely fortunate to have him as our Chief Executive, and I’m delighted to see his contribution recognised in this way.” The King’s Birthday Honours recognise individuals who have made a significant impact in their field or community. Martin’s OBE reflects a career dedicated to improving public services, strengthening local government, and delivering lasting benefits for communities. Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.OpenOxfordshire’s world leading life sciences innovation showcased in ParliamentBusinesses, partners and parliamentarians came together alongside Oxfordshire County Council and Advanced Oxford to celebrate the county’s life sciences sector at a high profile event in Parliament earlier this month (18 May). The event, hosted by Baroness Blackwood of North Oxford, showcased the work of Oxfordshire organisations to improve lives, strengthen the economy and reinforce the UK’s position as a global leader in life sciences. It also gave businesses a platform to engage directly with national policymakers on the opportunities for growth and the challenges facing the sector, including skills and investment. Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Oxfordshire is one of the UK’s leading centres for life sciences innovation, with world class research being translated into real improvements in people’s lives. “This showcase highlighted both the scale of opportunity in our county and the importance of continuing to invest in skills, infrastructure and partnerships to support future growth. “By bringing businesses and policymakers together in Parliament, we are helping to ensure Oxfordshire continues to play a vital role in driving innovation and better outcomes for communities across the UK.” Speakers from Immunocore, Perspectum and Pictura Bio spoke about their innovative approaches to healthcare and the unique growth potential of Oxfordshire’s innovation economy. They also highlighted challenges facing the sector, including attracting and retaining talent and the need for investment and capital. Baroness Blackwood of North Oxford, who hosted the event, said: “It was a pleasure to host the Oxfordshire Life Sciences Innovation Showcase and to welcome a range of dynamic and ambitious life sciences organisations to Parliament. “What distinguishes Oxfordshire is not just the excellence of its science, but also the consistency with which that science is translated into companies, products, and into patient and social benefit. And this innovation is taking place right across Oxfordshire within a deeply connected ecosystem where research, infrastructure, and enterprise all reinforce one another. This county-wide connection is what makes Oxfordshire such a great place to invest in. “Oxfordshire innovation has had a global impact, from the roll out of the R-21 malaria vaccine across Africa, to advances in cell and gene therapies and digital health. In addition, growth in Oxfordshire contributes directly to growth in the UK, with investment collaboration flowing into other regions and supporting a more connected national innovation economy. “Events like these matter because they showcase that innovation in action, and this showcase was about connection – discovery connecting with delivery, innovation connecting with investment, regional strength connecting with national ambition.” Sarah Haywood, Managing Director of Advanced Oxford, said: “It is important for the region to communicate its strengths and the role in plays within the UK and global innovation economy. “When we hear about the amazing work that our companies are undertaking, as highlighted by our speakers and the other companies in the room, we see the difference they are making. This includes new treatments for cancer and the delivery of a Community Diagnostics Centre by Perspectum, which redesigning diagnostic pathways for patients in Oxfordshire, while increasing capacity and reducing waiting times for diagnosis.” “Despite the exciting work in our life sciences sector, we know there are challenges and barriers to growth that we must address. Our series of parliamentary receptions has given us an opportunity to take these issues directly to Westminster. “We will only see the growth of these companies if we also address the skills challenges we are facing. We need to strike a balance between growing skills locally and creating a welcoming environment that attracts and retains talent from around the world.” Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.OpenNick Raven wins April’s Exceptional People Individual AwardSenior Accountant for Research & Development Nick Raven wins April’s Exceptional People Individual Award – for his outstanding support to efficient research delivery.OpenNew Oxfordshire SEND plan to improve support for childrenOxfordshire County Council’s SEND reform proposals were discussed by its cabinet on Tuesday, June 16.OpenOxford study suggests drones could tackle huge illegal waste dumping problemAn Oxford university study has said that drones and AI could be the answer to Oxfordshire's £7.3 million flytipping problem.OpenOutdoor pool opening times announcement from leisure staffAbingdon's outdoor swimming pool is about to open to take advantage of the warm weatherOpenWaitrose coffee machines close as staff warn supermarket customersA coffee machine dispensing free coffee to customers has broken for the third time in two months