Your concerns about the Ox-Cam Growth Corridor

We asked you to tell us your concerns about the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor.

Over 245 people responded to our survey, which started in March 2026. All survey responses have been added to a map.

As part of the survey, we asked you to choose from a list of five concerns. Environmental damage was chosen most often, followed by increased traffic.

Concerns selected from a list of five options

In addition, there was room for your comments. Most people wrote in with dismay, and in many cases exasperation, over the government’s plans. Again, the environment figured heavily.

Environment

Many of the comments cited concerns over biodiversity loss, habitat loss and climate change.

One person in Cambridge commented on how the Growth Corridor will worsen areas already under threat:

Eversden Wood in Cambridgeshire: a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

‘Environmentally and ecologically disastrous. Nature in the UK - including threatened species and unique, irreplaceable habitats - is already under enough pressure without adding further to biodiversity crisis’.

From Bedford, a person wrote about what they see as the reasons behind likely environmental damage:

‘This is an environmental disaster for our country, countryside concreted over, habitat destruction, huge increase in traffic and pollution. All in the name of greed and to build houses that, I would argue, are not required. It is legalised extortion and destruction.’

A person from Bicester looked at wildlife loss:

The RSPB has reported that one in ten UK species of animals is already at risk of extinction and over half of UK wildlife is in decline. Taking out even more farmland, hedgerows, and established trees just to concrete over with housing and warehousing, and pander to over-consumption and profligate importing, is plainly irresponsible. Environmental emergencies have clearly been ignored in the arc decision-making.’

Increased traffic

From Aspley Guise:

‘Construction traffic then high number of traffic when houses and industry, universal studios built on roads, particularly those in small villages/towns with narrow roads.’

Construction disturbance

A resident of Harlton commented on the personal impact of construction:

‘Personally I will be trapped by 24/7 construction for years, just metres from my house. I will be unable to sell a devalued home. 

On a larger scale there has been no satisfactory explanation/or business case for the preferred route that cuts across prime farming land and slaloms every ancient village on the way. All this when the route could have gone along an existing traffic corridor serving new towns and more ably carry freight. This was also the cheaper option. 

My concern is what are you not telling us?’

Compulsory purchase order

From Little Eversden:

‘I am a landowner whose field will be subject to a DCO in order to implement various EWR route alignment developments to construct bridge works for the A603 and to retain access to properties along the Comberton Road.’

Property value reduced

A person from Bedford wrote about people stuck with low property prices:

‘No one near the line can move away as property prices have dropped - understandably. Why buy a house amidst the chaos when you can buy elsewhere in town so much quieter. For those who were looking to move to be closer to family, they are now stuck. What a way to end your life!’

Additional concerns

Other concerns were cited in the comments, including:

Loss of agricultural land 

A person from Milton Keynes commented: ‘There appears to be little or no consideration for food sovereignty or food security,’ 

From Bicester: 

‘Taking land out of food production, or that could be used for food production, is disastrous at any time, but more so when there is a world problem. António Guterres, the United Nations Secretary-General, warned on May 18th that the coming months threaten “the spectre of a global food shortage” that could last for years,’ 

Lack of a business case 

Many people wrote with frustration about the lack of a business case for the Growth Corridor.

A person from Bourn, Cambs wrote: 

‘Without a business case how can enormous sums of public money be expended on a pipe dream that very people will ever have reason to use. Simply madness!’

The southern approach to Cambridge

From Harlton, Cambs:

‘. . . there has been no satisfactory explanation/or business case for the preferred route that cuts across prime farming land and slaloms every ancient village on the way. All this when the route could have gone along an existing traffic corridor serving new towns and more ably carry freight. This was also the cheaper option. My concern is what are you not telling us?’ 

Unwanted change to the character of the area

A person in Ludgershall, Bucks wrote:

‘Rapid change of the character of an area I have lived I most of my life and love’.