Mr. Michael Gibbard

image depicting Photo of Cllr Michael Gibbard | Councillors agree on conservation status for RAF Bicester - 10.08am, 18th November 2008 | Read more about Councillors agree on conservation status for RAF Bicester Cherwell District Council - Councillors agree on conservation status for RAF Bicester
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image depicting Photo of Cllr Michael Gibbard

The site was originally developed as a bomber base in 1925 and has been described by English Heritage as the best pre-1945 example in the country. The Ministry of Defence ceased operations at RAF Bicester in 2002.

"We want to make sure the historic buildings are maintained as they represent a significant part of our national heritage," says Cllr Michael Gibbard, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Housing.

Michael Gibbard, chairman of Yarnton Parish Council and Cherwell District Council's executive member for planning and housing, called for an environment impact assessment.

He said: "There's extreme concern, not least because for some years we have experienced a low-key composting operation and have been plagued by smells and dust.

Michael Gibbard, Cherwell's executive member for housing and planning, expects the application will be called in by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

He said: "We are concerned about the traffic disruption and the environmental impact on the landscape.

Unhappy: Michael Gibbard
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Unhappy: Michael Gibbard
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Michael Gibbard, chairman of Yarnton Parish Council and Cherwell District Council's planning and housing portfolio holder, unsuccessfully called for a full environment impact assessment.He said if 50,000 tonnes of waste were treated, such an assessment would have to be held automatically.

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Mr Gibbard said the site currently used a smaller-scale composting operation, adding: "We have already had first-hand experience of the odour from a plant like this.

Michael Gibbard, Cherwell's executive member for planning and housing, said: "Community involvement is paramount and we will be consulting intensively and vigorously as the scheme develops, not only for North West Bicester but for the whole of the town."

He said the development would provide 5,000 jobs and homes.

Michael Gibbard, executive member for planning and housing, said: "This site is far from straight forward and no doubt there will be many problems to overcome.

Michael Gibbard, Cherwell's executive member for planning and housing, said his department had greatly improved since last year, so much so it had won a one-off Government grant of ,400,000.

The money will be spent on an extra enforcement officer, an in-house ecology officer and a One Stop Shop at Bodicote House in Banbury.

Plans are also afoot to merge the council's two planning committees to make decisions more consistent.

The moves, Mr Gibbard insisted, would help prevent expensive appeals and improve the public service.

After Thursday's meeting, Michael Gibbard, the council's executive member for planning and housing, said: "We provide extensive guidelines for properties in conservation areas.

Michael Gibbard, Cherwell's executive member for planning and housing, said: "Community involvement is paramount and we will be consulting intensively and vigorously as the scheme develops, not only for North West Bicester but for the whole of the town."

He said the development would provide 5,000 jobs and 5,000 homes.