An essential transport infrastructure project designed to ease congestion and promote sustainable travel in Didcot and its surrounding villages has been granted planning permission.

The HIF1 Didcot and surrounding areas project received approval from the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Angela Rayner. The decision follows a recommendation from a planning inspector after a comprehensive 21-day conjoined public inquiry earlier this year.

The major infrastructure initiative aims to provide critical transport upgrades, fostering improved connectivity and reducing traffic bottlenecks. It is set to deliver enhanced travel options for residents and support sustainable development across the region.

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Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Travel and Development Strategy, said: "The approval of this application is fantastic news, as securing planning consent is a key milestone in proceeding with this project.

"This work is a big step towards tackling congestion in Didcot and the surrounding villages. It will transform travel in the Didcot area for current and future residents as well as commuters, reduce congestion in the surrounding villages, and improve air quality and noise levels."

The £332 million project is fully funded. Successful discussions with government in early 2022, and again in early 2024, resulted in additional grants from Homes England. Approval was also given to underwrite up to £30m from Oxfordshire County Council's capital budget in February 2022, while Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership contributed a £10m capital investment generated from Enterprise Zones' business rates retention.