The Process

The OxSRFI remains at the pre-application stage in the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) process, but is now at an important stage with statutory consultation being held from 23rd September 2025 to 4th November 2025.

This page sets out details about the process as a whole, and provides a link to the Planning Inspectorate’s (PINS) page for additional details, and for interested parties to register for updates direct from PINS.

The Applicant’s intention is to submit the final application to PINS in Q1 2026.

The SRFI Application Process

There is a defined process and timetable for the later stages of the process which is led by the Planning Inspectorate – advice from the Inspectorate is set out below (and available on their website)

Once submitted, the Inspectorate, on behalf of the Secretary of State, has 28 days to decide whether the application meets the required standard to proceed to examination including whether the developer’s consultation has been adequate.

Local people can then register as an interested party to be kept informed of progress and to be offered opportunities to put your views forward formally to the Inspectors. Inspectors will hold a Preliminary Meeting and set the timetable for examination.  Registered interested parties will be able to submit comments to the Planning Inspectorate in writing and can request to speak at a public hearing.

You will be able to send in your comments to the Planning Inspectorate in writing. You can request to speak at a public hearing. The Inspectorate has 6 months to carry out the examination.

A recommendation to the Secretary of State for Transport will be issued by the Inspectorate within 3 months of the end of the Examination. The Secretary of State then has a further 3 months to issue a decision on the proposal.