Developers for a proposed new theme park remain positive after people share concerns over its traffic impact.
Nearly 100 people attended a public exhibition was held in Bicester last week for residents to give their views on proposals for the new theme park.
Developers are proposing for a new historical-themed attraction, Puy du Fou, to be located in the Cherwell area, north of Bicester.
The exhibition was held at Weyland Hall in Bicester last Thursday (July 18) from noon until 7pm, giving residents the chance to meet developers, voice their concerns and ask questions about the plans.
There was also an exhibition held the day before (July 17) in Bucknell, a village near Bicester, and one the next day in Oxford (July 19).
David Nouaille, head of international development for Puy Du Fuo, said he was surprised at the amount of positive comments from the public and that traffic was one of the main concerns raised.
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David Nouaille, Head of International Development for Puy Du Fou (Image: Charlotte Coles)
He said: "All the people who have already been to Puy Du Fuo in France and Spain are very excited by the idea of the arrival of Puy du Fuo in the UK.
"Then we have people who are worried about issues - the main issue raised is traffic, so we know we have to work hard on this topic."
Conservative councillor Donna Ford, who attended the exhibition, said while it's difficult to comment due to the proposals being in the early stages, her main concern is road infrastructure.
She said: "I will be contacting Oxfordshire County Council highways to discuss as early as possible as soon as plans are submitted."
Mr Nouaille said: "We have a great team. We are already engaged with national highways and Oxfordshire County Council to work on this issue.
"It won’t be easy, but without finding the right solution we won’t be able to get planning permission, so it was very useful to listen to everybody.
He added: "After these exhibitions we will have a few months to find the right answers and to adapt our project before the next public consultation at the beginning of next year."
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A public consultation and exhibition is taking place at Weyland Hall in Bicester for residents to have their say about proposals for a new theme park, Puy Du Fou.
— Charlotte Coles (@charcolesjourno) July 18, 2024
It’s open until 7pm & so far over 70 people have turned up to ask questions and find out more about the proposals. pic.twitter.com/K9voS9eQom
Mr Nouaille said he spent years looking for the right site in the UK and chose this one due to its transport links and local tourist attractions such as Blenheim Palace.
He said he is "very excited" about the potential site in the UK.
Liberal Democrat councillor for Bicester Town Council, Rachel Mallows said she also has concerns about strains on roads.
She said: "Having seen an outline of the plans I feel that another major attraction when we already have Bicester Village, Bicester Motion and The Great Wolf Park would place a major strain on the towns roads, housing, surgery and water supplies.
Councillor Rachel Mallows (Image: Bicester Town Council.)
"Whilst it may be a very exciting place to visit as a tourist, it may not be a great neighbour."
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Liberal Democrat councillor John Willett said he has questions about the theme park.
He said: "Puy Du Fou have proposed a different sort of theme park for Bicester that is cultural in nature.
"They will be making a presentation to the town council this week and I have a lot of questions to ask them."
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