The Delegated Decisions by Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action meeting, held on Thursday 26 February 2026, saw the approval of the council's 'Biodiversity Action at Oxfordshire County Council Jan 2023-Dec 2025' report for publication and the delegation of authority to award the construction contract for the HIF1 Clifton Hampden Bypass.

Biodiversity Action at Oxfordshire County Council (Jan 2023-Dec 2025)

Councillor Judy Roberts, Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action, approved the 'Biodiversity Action at Oxfordshire County Council Jan 2023-Dec 2025' report for publication. This report details how the council has been fulfilling its strengthened biodiversity duty under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (as amended) between January 2023 and December 2025. The report outlines a range of actions implemented to conserve and enhance biodiversity, including updates on the Oxfordshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy, biodiversity in procurement, road verge nature reserves, and partnership working. It also details the council's progress on Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) for its own planning applications and minerals and waste applications. The report aligns with the council's vision to make Oxfordshire a greener, fairer, and healthier county and supports the objectives set out in the Oxfordshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy. The approval of this report is a statutory requirement and ensures the council complies with legislative timetables.

Approve and Authorise the Award of the HIF1 Clifton Hampden Bypass Construction Contract

Authority was delegated to the Director of Environment and Highways to award the Stage Two NEC4 Engineering and Construction Contract for the HIF1 Clifton Hampden Bypass scheme to John Graham Construction Limited. This decision is subject to the agreement of the target cost, the programme for the works, and the finalisation of contract terms. The Clifton Hampden Bypass is a key component of the wider Didcot Garden Town Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF1) programme, which aims to improve connectivity between Didcot and Culham, alleviate congestion, and support the delivery of over 12,655 new homes and significant employment growth across the Science Vale. The scheme is fully funded through a combination of HIF grant, council capital allocations, Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEP), and Section 106 contributions. The construction is anticipated to commence in April 2026 and last for approximately 18 months. The decision was made following addresses from Gregory O'Broin and Richard Tamplin, and Councillor Roberts noted the scheme's potential to alleviate congestion in Clifton Hampden and improve the local environment. The contract includes requirements for the contractor to provide social value, such as creating local employment opportunities and minimising the carbon impact of construction.