THE former USAF base at Upper Heyford had its future secured this week, after redevelopment plans were given the green light.

North Oxfordshire Consortium, the former owners of the base, and Cherwell District Council have been at loggerheads over the future of the site for about 11 years.

But this week the Secretary of State for Local Government and Communities, John Denham, ruled that the former US base can be re-developed to create jobs and housing.

Independent planning inspector Daphne Mair recommended that an appeal by NOC should be upheld – following a planning inquiry that stretched more than three months last year.

All parties are now working their way through a 250-page document that details the inspector’s recommendations.

The move ends years of uncertainty for businesses and residents at Heyford Park and has been welcomed by Dorchester Group, which now owns the site.

NOC, made up of house builders Taylor Wimpey and Persimmon Homes, spent years trying to get planning permission to revamp the site. It wanted to build 1,075 homes, a primary school and a number of retail and business units at Heyford Park.

English Heritage claimed the whole area should be kept intact, as it was of historical value.

But the district council wants to keep just a few of the 400 buildings at the former military site and argued for fewer homes.

Paul Silver, executive director at Dorchester Group, said: “We are delighted that the Secretary of State has granted approval for the appeal at Heyford Park. The decision safeguards around 1,000 jobs and paves the way for 1,075 homes on the site.”

He said the developer would work with the council to ensure the best possible scheme for Heyford Park.

Paragon Fleet Solutions, a firm based at the site and which employs more than 500 people, said common sense had prevailed.

Managing director Steve Maltby said: “We are absolutely delighted with the Planning Inspectorate’s decision.

“This means we can carry on with confidence at Heyford Park and continue to invest in our infrastructure at the site to ensure that we can offer our customers outstanding levels of service. There are some conditions to the consent and we are fully confident that we have expertise and flexibility to manage this.”

Bicester Chamber of Commerce chairman Keith Watson, a former chief executive of the site, said: “The decision secures a lot of jobs and housing.”

A spokesman for the council said: “Cherwell District Council is disappointed by the decision and has maintained a consistent position to ensure the long-term conservation of the nation’s Cold War heritage, in line with guidance provided by English Heritage, while balancing the delivery of sustainable economic and housing growth.”