Forever chemicals tests not done says site owner

The owner of a former RAF base earmarked for development has said that previous tests at the site were not for forever chemicals.

It comes following growing concern that the former RAF Upper Heyford in Oxfordshire is the source of chemical pollution in nearby waterways.

Site owner Dorchester Living said polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), referred to as forever chemicals, "has only more recently emerged as a focus for investigation and was not historically included within the suite of substances routinely tested for."

The Environment Agency (EA) has previously stated there was a risk of contamination at the site from historic fire fighting activities.

Former RAF Upper Heyford, which was active during World War Two and the Cold War, has already been developed and is the proposed site of 9,000 new homes.

Dorchester Living said: "The development will proceed in line with national planning and environmental guidance. Where contamination is identified, land will be remediated to ensure that it is safe for its intended use."

Concerns were first raised in April after previous water data came to light and showed high levels of the chemicals 4km (2.5 miles) downstream.

Subsequent independent testing by residents in a stream closer to the historic airbase found levels of 'forever chemicals' 43,000 times higher than environmental standards.

Sir Keir Starmer said he would make sure a meeting took place between the Bicester MP Calum Miller and the relevant secretaries of state to take appropriate steps on the issue, following an urgent question by Miller during PMQ's.

Dorchester Living said: "Environmental investigations at Heyford Park have been undertaken in accordance with the prevailing regulatory standards and guidance at the time, and in consultation with the Environment Agency. PFAS has only more recently emerged as a focus for investigation and was not historically included within the suite of substances routinely tested for."

"The UK planning and environmental regulatory processes are designed to manage such issues through investigation, risk-based assessment and where necessary remediation and monitoring, with these actions secured via planning conditions."

Local authorities are the lead regulators for contaminated land and are responsible for identifying sites and ensuring risks are addressed.

A spokesperson for Cherwell District Council has said it is not aware of any evidence to suggest an immediate risk to the health of residents.

"Although Cherwell District Council is not a public health body, we are committed to supporting a multi-agency response to the issue of PFAS."

"We will take a precautionary and evidence‑led approach, particularly for sensitive uses such as housing. If additional investigation or mitigation is required because of PFAS or other contaminants, we will secure this as a requirement linked to any future planning permissions."