The Delegated Decisions by Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action meeting was scheduled to discuss the detailed design contract for the North West Bicester Strategic Link Road. The meeting was also set to review the minutes of the previous meeting.

North West Bicester Strategic Link Road Detailed Design Contract

The meeting was scheduled to consider the procurement of a contract for the detailed design of the North West Bicester Strategic Link Road. The report pack indicated a recommendation to authorise the procurement of this contract using the Scape National Consultancy Framework with Perfect Circle JV Ltd. It was also recommended that authority be delegated to the Director of Environment & Highways, in consultation with the Section 151 Officer and the Head of Legal and Governance (Deputy Monitoring Officer), to award the Professional Services Contract.

The North West Bicester Strategic Link Road scheme aims to facilitate the remaining residential development planned for North-West Bicester, which includes 6,000 homes and at least 3,500 jobs as outlined in the current Local Plan. The scheme's scope includes realigning the A4095 along a new Strategic Link Road, incorporating compliant walking, wheeling, and cycling facilities, bus infrastructure, and a design that acknowledges the A4095's role within Bicester's peripheral road system. Additionally, upgrades to the Middleton Stoney Road / A4095 / Vendee Drive junction were planned. The detailed design phase was anticipated to commence in early 2026. The estimated value of this design commission is £1.9 million.

The report pack noted that the procurement would be conducted in accordance with the Council's Contract Procedure Rules and the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, with the proposed contract to be a NEC4 Professional Service Contract, Option C. The Council is delivering this scheme in its capacity as the highway authority for Oxfordshire under the Highways Act 1980.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The meeting was also scheduled to confirm the minutes of the previous meeting held on 11 December 2025.