Several "powerful" CCTV cameras are set to come to an Oxfordshire village on land at a centre of innovation.

The UK Atomic Energy Authority has applied to South Oxfordshire District Council to introduce 22 new CCTV poles at the Culham Science Centre in Culham near Abingdon.

These would be scattered across 10 "broad locations" within the 13.75 hectare site and be made up of galvanised steel.

Site location plan indicating the 10 allocated areas.Site location plan indicating the 10 allocated areas. (Image: South Oxfordshire District Council.)

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New cameras would be provided by Axis Communications which describes its technology, with 32x zoom and focus recall, as "powerful" and offering "great image quality".

An applicant planning paper says in relation to the proposal: "The fundamental purpose of the CCTV cameras and poles is to promote public safety across the campus, both for employees and visitors utilising CSC.

Proposed cameras.Proposed cameras. (Image: South Oxfordshire District Council.)

"Methods of surveillance exist across the campus currently, and the delivery of further CCTV infrastructure positioned evenly across the campus will further support and enhance UKAEA’s site security strategy.

"The nature of the proposed development is entirely in keeping with existing infrastructure on the campus where CCTV cameras already exist either on fences, poles or buildings.

"The CCTV infrastructure will be subtle in appearance and will not emit any light or sound that would otherwise give rise to any concerns in relation to landscape and visual impact, or indeed biodiversity."

Culham Science Centre.Culham Science Centre.

Each pole would be approximately six metres in height and circa 11cm in width, with a camera positioned on top with casing.

 

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About the author

Noor is the Local Democracy Reporter for Oxfordshire who covers political stories from across the county. 

She began working as a journalist in Oxford in September 2023 having graduated from the University of Oxford.

Noor was trained at the News Associates journalism school and can be found on X through the handle @NoorJQurashi