Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member: Environment and Economy

Forward Plan Ref: 2026/104

Key decision

Contact: Hannah Battye, Head of Place Shaping

Hannah.battye@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report by Director of Economy and Place (CAB12)

The report provides an update on the Cowley Branch Line scheme and seeks authorisation of funding contributions towards the project.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to

a)    Approve potential funding to meet up to £14.5m of local costs for the delivery of the Cowley Branch Line through the use of retained business rates funding from the two Oxfordshire Enterprise Zones as set out in paragraph 44 and subject to the provisions of paragraph 41.

b)    Note that the expectation is that this forward funding would be replaced by future S106 and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) contributions but neither the amounts nor timing are certain at this stage.

c)    Note that any future shortfall in funding or additional borrowing costs remaining after these amounts are received would need a further decision to agree how to manage this.

Cabinet had before it a report recommending  approval of up to £14.5m in local funding for the Cowley Branch Line project using retained business rates from Oxfordshire Enterprise Zones, with repayment expected from future S106 and CIL contributions, while acknowledging potential funding risks and deferring the choice of financing method to future councils amid Local Government Reform.

Councillor Laura Gordon, Cabinet Member for Environment and Econonomy presented the report. She stated that the funding would unlock substantial Government and private-sector investment and contribute to economic growth across Oxfordshire. She also acknowledged concerns about consultation arrangements and outlined proposals for an Enterprise Zone Advisory Board.

During discussion, members emphasised the strategic importance of the scheme for OxRail 2040, Oxford station capacity, Oxfordshire Metro ambitions and future rail projects, including Warren Grove/Wantage station aspirations.

Members generally supported the proposal while acknowledging stakeholder concerns.

Further discussion covered the following points:-

• benefits for deprived communities in East Oxford;
• countywide economic impacts;
• future governance arrangements for EZ funding;
• progress on active travel schemes and Science Vale projects;
• future recovery of costs from developer contributions and infrastructure funding streams;

Councillor Gordon moved and Councillor Epps seconded the recommendations and they were approved.

RESOLVED to:-

a)    Approve potential funding to meet up to £14.5m of local costs for the delivery of the Cowley Branch Line through the use of retained business rates funding from the two Oxfordshire Enterprise Zones as set out in paragraph 44 and subject to the provisions of paragraph 41.

b)    Note that the expectation is that this forward funding would be replaced by future S106 and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) contributions but neither the amounts nor timing are certain at this stage.

c)    Note that any future shortfall in funding or additional borrowing costs beyond those set out in this paper would need a further decision on how to manage.