To seek Executive approval to note £500,000 of specific grant funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) for non-statutory feasibility work to test the strategic case for Heyford Park as a large-scale new settlement, to approve the associated budget virement, and to agree programme delivery and governance arrangements
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Significant Expenditure or Savings;
Decision status: For Determination
Wards affected: Fringford and Heyfords;
Notice of proposed decision first published: 18/03/2026
Reason for urgency:
MHCLG has awarded Cherwell District Council £500,000 of specific grant funding under a Memorandum of Understanding signed on 12-13 March 2026 by the Council’s S151 Officer and MHCLG’s Director. The funding is a Section 31 revenue grant for the financial year 2025-26, with the MoU applying until 31 March 2027 to cover both the delivery and evaluation periods. The decision is key due to the value of the grant and the budget virement to recognise the grant income and associated expenditure requires Executive approval. It is necessary for this decision to be taken at the 7 April 2026 meeting to enable the programme to be delivered efficiently within the required timescales, while ensuring that procurement and other internal governance requirements are met. The Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee has been notified accordingly .
Decision due: April 2026 by Executive
Lead member: Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Finance, Property & Regeneration
Lead director: Executive Director Place & Regeneration
Department: Place and Regeneration Directorate
Contact: Tom Dobrashian, Interim Head of Regeneration and Economic Growth Email: tom.dobrashian@cherwell-dc.gov.uk Tel: 01295 221530, Kassandra Polyzoides, Project Manager - Heyford Park Email: kassandra.polyzoides@cherwell-dc.gov.uk Tel: 01295 227048.
Reason No Public Access: No