Guidance document Summary: Science Vale - Movement and Place Plan

Vision for Science Vale

For Science Vale to be a place that is healthy and pleasant for its communities and that continues to be a place for world-leading research and innovation, and that significantly contributes to the economic prosperity of Oxfordshire and the whole of the UK.

To enhance Science Vale’s sense of place including its mix of rural and urban by enabling sustainable development, protecting the surrounding natural and historic environment, improving climate resilience, and enhancing biodiversity, whilst also encouraging a shift in travel behaviours.

For Science Vale to have an inclusive, accessible, and integrated transport system, which improves and remove barriers to walking, wheeling and cycling and public transport, whilst reducing traffic congestion and reliance on private vehicles.

Area context

Science Vale is a significant part of Oxfordshire and is known for its mix of residential areas and concentration of world-class innovative research and enterprise. It spans across the districts of South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse. It covers the towns of Wantage and Didcot and a large number of villages. Although Abingdon and Wallingford are not included in the identified area, this Movement and Place (MAP) Plan acknowledges the interaction of Science Vale with these towns, with trips being made into and out of the Science Vale for work, school, and leisure. 

The Science Vale is also home to approximately 73,000 people, primarily centred around Didcot, Wantage, and Grove. These areas are served by a variety of local amenities and services including schools, libraries, community hospitals, shopping centres, and leisure destinations. Between the major employment and residential areas, there is beautiful countryside some of which forms part of the North Wessex Downs Areas national Landscape connected through various cycle routes and pathways.

Science Vale is home to major employment sites with a focus on the sciences, including Culham Campus, Milton Park, and Harwell Campus, as well as two Enterprise Zones: Science Vale UK and Didcot Growth Accelerator. Additionally, Science Vale benefits from several other employment locations. In 2023, it was estimated that there were more than 40,000 jobs in Science Vale, with this projected to grow to more than 48,000 by 2050. 

Geographically, Science Vale is in an advantageous location with good accessibility to a wide range of regional and national destinations by rail, coach, and road, including London, Reading, Swindon, Southampton, Bristol, Cardiff, Heathrow Airport, Birmingham, and Gatwick Airport. Didcot Parkway Rail Station is the busiest station by number of services and the second busiest by passenger numbers in Oxfordshire. It is on the electrified Great Western mainline, connecting Science Vale by rail to London, Bristol, and South Wales, with the Oxford branch runs north to Oxford and Banbury. The A34 runs north-south through the Science Vale, providing direct road links to the M4 and M40. The road and rail network are supported by a bus network centred around Didcot, providing connections to Wallingford, Abingdon, Oxford, the John Radcliffe Hospital, Newbury, , and Faringdon. 

Given its accessible location and the increasing number of employment opportunities, more people are choosing to call this area their home. It is anticipated that Science Vale will grow significantly in the future, with approximately 18,000 new houses planned by 2041 and the population projected to increase to more than 170,000 by 2050, equivalent to the population of Oxford in 2021.

Key facts and figures:

• 3 Majoy Employment areas with a focus on technology at Harwell, Milton Park, and Culham Campus
• There are 2 Enterprise Zones
• Key employers include Tesco, ASDA, and Williams Racing
• The population is forecast to grow from 73,000 residents now to 170,000 residents in 2050
• There are currently 40,000 workers, with a further 8,000 forecast by 2050
• 18,000 new homes are planned by 2041
• 200 hectares of new employment land is planned by 2041
• There are 37 schools, 7 medical centres, 5 leisure centres, 5 libraries, 3 museums, 2 community hospitals, and 1 cinema in the area
• 21 bus routes are run to, from, and within the area
• There are 3 railway stations in the area, with Didcot Parkway being the second busiest station in Oxfordshire terms of passengers, and is served by more trains each day than any other Oxfordshire station
• 68% of residents drive to work
• 89% of households in the area own a car
• 39% of residents of Didcot travel less than 5 kilometres to work

Map of Science Vale 

Challenges and opportunities

Addressing the current challenges in Science Vale will improve the quality of life for residents. The area faces issues such as population and employment growth, traffic congestion, poor air quality, road safety concerns, public transport limitations, climate and environmental risks, and deprivation. The objectives and actions for Science Vale must consider the diverse impacts on different groups, especially given the rural nature of Science Vale, where some residents will continue to rely on private vehicles.

Population and employment growth

Science Vale’s population is projected to rise from 73,000 in 2023 to around 170,000 by 2050, an annual increase of about 3,500 people. Without changes in travel habits, this growth will make traffic congestion unsustainable. Major residential and employment developments are planned with 18,000 homes to be delivered, including garden communities in Didcot and Berinsfield, as well as e more than 200 hectares of employment land. These developments, both within and outside Science Vale, will drive further demand for housing and employment, making Science Vale a key destination for people.

Economic growth

Science Vale is a major economic hub, accounting for about 4% of England’s R&D employment and 13% of the South East’s. The area’s growth is anchored by three major science and technology sites: Milton Park, Culham Campus, and Harwell Campus. These sites attract significant investment and are central to the UK’s life sciences, fusion research, and space sectors. Williams F1 is also a notable employer, contributing to the area’s economic vitality.

Spatial context and population density

Covering approximately 150 square kilometres, Science Vale includes a mix of towns, villages, and employment sites, often separated by rural land. Its population density is lower than nearby urban centres, complicating efforts to provide efficient public transport and active travel options. Biodiversity sites also further limit infrastructure improvements. The area’s geography and settlement patterns make car travel common, especially for longer journeys.

Modal share and traffic congestion

Motor vehicle traffic is a longstanding concern, particularly where settlements and employment sites are isolated. Key roads such as the A34 and A4130 experience significant congestion, especially during peak hours. Car dependence is high, with 72% of residents driving to work in 2021. Many commutes are short, offering potential for increased walking, cycling, and public transport use, but currently, most short trips are still made by car.

Air quality

Poor air quality is the largest environmental risk to public health in the UK. Transport is responsible for a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions in the UK, and we can tackle this by changing the way we travel. In 2023, NO2 and PM2.5 levels exceeded World Health Organisation guidelines. We must reduce the use of polluting forms of transport and provide transport choice. Reducing pollution could yield substantial health and economic benefits, including fewer early deaths and lower NHS and social care costs. Expanding EV charging infrastructure and promoting cleaner transport are key strategies.

Road safety

Road safety remains a concern, with 78 killed or seriously injured incidents recorded in the past five years. Most serious collisions involve motor vehicles, with vulnerable users such as pedestrians and cyclists also affected. The Vision Zero approach aims to eliminate road fatalities and serious injuries by 2050. Minimising road danger is fundamental in creating a safe environment for those walking, wheeling, riding a bike and using public transport.

Public transport

Science Vale’s bus network connects the area to nearby towns and cities, but service frequency varies across different locations, with not high-frequency services in the area. Additionally, the quality of the bus infrastructure varies significantly across the area partially in the rural communities. The area is served by three rail stations, with Didcot Parkway being the busiest. Plans for a new station at Wantage and Grove, as well as improving service frequency and station facilities at the existing stations are being developed. Improving public transport is an effective way to address the transport challenges faced in Science Vale. More dependable and more frequent services, as well more inclusive and better infrastructure, is essential for providing transport choice for our communities. 

Flooding, climate resilience, and the environment

Some parts of Science Vale are at high risk of flooding, particularly from the River Thames and surface water. Flooding can disrupt transport links and isolate communities. The area contains important habitats that support biodiversity, which helps mitigate climate change and improve health outcomes. Local plans emphasize climate resilience and environmental protection.

Deprivation

While overall Science Vale is among the least deprived area in the country, pockets of deprivation exist, particularly in Berinsfield and parts of Didcot. Deprivation is linked to poorer health outcomes and greater reliance on public transport, which can be problematic if services are unaffordable or inadequate.

Summary of challenges and opportunities

The outlined challenges and opportunities set the context for future objectives and actions. The objectives and actions will help deliver an inclusive transport system within the Science Vale. This will make our streets safer and better for walking, cycling and public transport, enhancing access to schools, workplaces, town centres, villages and district centres  

The Science Vale MAP Plan aims for sustainable and inclusive growth, balancing economic development with community needs. Priorities include improving the natural environment, enhancing transport options, making streets safer, and connecting communities. The overarching goal is to create a greener, fairer, and healthier county.

Planned infrastructure delivery

Work has already started to improve transport in Science Vale. There are a number of significant transport infrastructure projects that are either currently in progress or planned. The significant schemes include:

• Didcot and surrounding area infrastructure improvements (HIF1)
• Wantage Eastern Link Road (WELR)
• Steventon Lights Integrated Transport Scheme
• Milton Heights Walking, wheeling and cycling bridge
• Didcot Northern Perimeter Road 3 (NPR3)
• Didcot Central Corridor (DCC)
• Grove Northern Link Road (GNLR)
• Strategic Active Travel Network (SATN)
• Frilford and Marcham Improvements
• Rowstock Integrated Transport Study
• Didcot Local Cycling and Walking Improvement Plan (LCWIP)
• Local Plan Safeguarded land
• Oxfordshire’s LEVI Programme 

Summary of objectives and actions

This MAP Plan has identified a large number of schemes to deliver the objectives and actions, as noted above. Of that, four are currently be delivered, eight are actively being progressed with partners and stakeholders and seven will need further collaboration and engagement workshops. The council will work towards sharing a detailed delivery plan with stakeholders. 

Objective SV1: Enhance public realm in settlement centres.

1.1. Investigate options for the development of schemes for improved public realm, walking, wheeling, cycling, and public transport in:

a. Market Place, Wantage.
b. Central Didcot.
c. Village.
d. Local Centres.

Objective SV2: Create a sense of togetherness, place, inclusiveness, and community in new and existing places.

2.1. Collaborate with partners to support accessible new or enhanced wayfinding, and introduce murals, artwork, rest places, pocket parks, and community parks.

2.2. Work with partners to develop themed art installations.

2.3. Work with partners to enhance and upgrade timetables (for buses, activities and events), local guides, maps etc which showcase the local area and its history.

2.4. Support the district councils when they update their Joint Design Guide.

2.5. Seek opportunities to address sub-standard crossing points (including dropped kerbs and tactile paving) to support accessibility and inclusivity.

2.6. Work with partner to remove or improve access control barriers to support accessibility and inclusivity in accordance with our Access Control Barrier Policy.

2.7. Investigate opportunities to develop the 'Oxfordshire Way' and Community Hubs.

2.8. Work with partners with a view to provide more community hubs and mixed-use hubs.

2.9. Support opportunities to provide multi-use leisure destinations (e.g. bars/cafés with a range of leisure facilities), in sustainable locations.

2.10.  Liaison with workplaces, stakeholders, and partners to join different employment groups together to share ideas and best practice.

2.11.  Ensure the continued protection of the areas historic character including in conservation areas

Objective SV3: Deliver a comprehensive, comfortable, direct, safe, coherent and inclusive walking, wheeling and cycling network.

3.1. Work with partners to deliver the walking, wheeling and cycling schemes contained within adopted documents (such as the LCWIP and SATN routes).

3.2. Finalise and adopt the LCWIP for Wantage & Grove.

3.3. Liaise with partners to develop new walking, wheeling and cycling schemes to create an easy to navigate, cohesive and safe walking, wheeling and cycling network. This will include SATN routes.

3.4. Investigate changes to the PRoW network to enable use by a wider range of Non-Motorised Users (NMUs) for different journey purposes.

Objective SV4: Ensure developments deliver comprehensive on-site and off-site walking, wheeling and cycling provision.

4.1. Ensure developments deliver walking, wheeling and cycling provision identified in LCWIPs and SATN.

4.2. Ensure developments address any gaps in the provision of walking, wheeling and cycling routes, including connections to existing networks, routes identified in LCWIPs and SATN and between developments.

4.3. Prioritise walking and cycling within developments and ensure that provision integrates with off-site routes.

Objective SV5: Improve accessibility for Non-Motorised Users (NMUs) travelling via waterways and greenways.

5.1 Identify opportunities for improvements along and access to waterways and greenways (including the River Thames, disused Wilts and Berks Canal and the Ridgeway).

5.2 Support the delivery of improvements along and access to waterways and greenways (including the River Thames, disused Wilts and Berks Canal and the Ridgeway).

5.3 Collaborate with partners including the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust and Canal and Riverside Trust to develop wayfinding and signage, help-points, and mapping along waterways and greenways (including the River Thames, disused Wilts and Berks Canal and the Ridgeway), through extending the scope of the Didcot Wayfinding Strategy.

5.4 Explore options with partners to provide place shaping (e.g. pocket parks, outdoor gyms, and other green spaces) along waterways and greenways (including the River Thames, disused Wilts and Berks Canal and the Ridgeway). With this developed alongside, in line with the Didcot Green Infrastructure Strategy.

Objective SV6: Reduce walking, wheeling and cycling severance caused by physical barriers.

6.1 Explore the reallocation of highway space at the Culham and Clifton Hampden River crossings to improve provision for walking, wheeling and cycling and public transport - subject to the delivery of the Didcot to Culham River Crossing.

6.2 Work with partners to remove walking, wheeling and cycling barriers across the Great Western Mainline, Cherwell Valley Line and the Local Road Network.

6.3 Work with partners and stakeholders to create new links over the River Thames and Cherwell Valley line serving Culham rail station, Culham Campus and strategic sites.

6.4 Work with National Highways to continue developing plans for the Milton Heights walking, wheeling and cycling Bridge.

6.5 Work with partners to deliver the Milton Heights walking, wheeling and cycling Bridge.

6.6 Explore the opportunities to improve walking, wheeling and cycling across the A34, including connections with Didcot.

Objective SV7: Introduce shared micromobility schemes, subject to central government legislation.

7.1 Work with partners to create a shared e-scooter and e-bike network, at locations such as mobility hubs, district and community centres, bus stops, leisure. and employment facilities (such as in Didcot and at Harwell Campus, Milton Park, and Culham Campus).

7.2 Support shared e-scooter and e-bike schemes that link employment sites with residential sites and public transport interchanges.

Objective SV8: Develop a network of cycle parking, hubs, and hangars.

8.1 Review and define the locations for cycle parking, hubs, and hangars including auditing existing locations.

8.2 Work with partners to deliver new, and improve existing, cycle parking. To include the provision for non-standard cycle (e.g. tricycles, cargo bikes, tandems, mobility scooters and adapted bicycles), cycle repair/ maintenance hubs and charging for e-bikes, at appropriate locations. We will also seek to ensure all cycle parking is designed to a high quality so where appropriate, green walls, green roofs, solar panels and landscaping will be provided on and around the cycle parking.

8.3 Support the development of a cycle hub at Culham Station.

8.4 Develop a cycle parking map showing capacity and levels of use at cycle parking, hubs, and hangars.

Objective SV9: Create a network of mobility hubs.

9.1 Explore opportunities to provide or improve mobility hubs at major interchanges and along key movement corridors:

a. Didcot Parkway Rail Station.
b. Culham Station Rail Station.
c. Proposed Wantage and Grove Rail Station.
d. A34 Corridor.
e. A4074 Corridor.

9.2 Support the implementation of the Mobility Hub Strategy, including linkage hubs, suburban and rural hubs, and mini hubs.

Objective SV10: Enhance bus services.

10.1 Work with partners to provide faster bus services, with consideration given to increasing frequencies (including "turn up and go" services) and express, or limited stop services and the optimisation of existing services.

10.2 Work with partners to provide new bus services in Science Vale including to places outside Science Vale, to locations that are currently underserved and to new developments.

10.3 Work with bus operators to ensure improved reliability, attractiveness and resilience of services.

10.4 Work with bus operators to improve the service level in the early morning, and late evenings to support employment and the nighttime economy.

10.5 Work with operators to provide long-distance coach services connecting to Science Vale.

Objective SV11: Enhance bus infrastructure.

11.1 Work with partners to develop a strategy for the redesign of Didcot Parkway Bus Interchange and Didcot Town Centre, including reviewing routing through the town centre.

11.2 Identify opportunities for the improvement of bus infrastructure (e.g. waiting facilities, location for new bus stops, Real Time Information, application of AI, raised kerbs, lighting, shelters, CCTV, onward travel maps).

11.3 Work with partners to develop a strategy for consistent bus branding and route identification across Science Vale.

11.4 Identify opportunities for bus priority and improvement measures including bus lanes, removal of parking and traffic signal priority within Science Vale.

11.5 Work with partners to introduce bus priority and improvement measures.

11.6 Work alongside partners to deliver a zero-emission bus network across Science Vale.

Objective SV12: Support improvements to the rail network in the short term.

12.1 Work with Network Rail to ensure the electrification of the rail line between Didcot Parkway and Oxford.

12.2 Work with Network Rail and East West Rail to achieve the extension of East West Rail services to Didcot Parkway and in the future Wantage and Grove, to provide services between Science Vale and Milton Keynes and onwards towards Cambridge.

12.3 Collaborate with partners to improve the accessibility and infrastructure at Culham Rail Station.

12.4 Work with partners to lobby for additional services and capacity improvements at Didcot Parkway.

12.5 Collaborate with partners to deliver the Strategic Outline Business Case for Wantage and Grove Station.

Objective SV13: Support improvements to the rail network in the medium to long term.

13.1 Work with partners to improve capacity, accessibility, passenger facilities and direct services at Culham.

13.2 Support partners to provide the further enhancement of services from Didcot Parkway.

13.3 Develop a strategy with Network Rail to support increased freight capacity through Didcot Parkway.

13.4 Work with partners to develop a framework to enable the opening of Wantage and Grove Station.

13.5 Work with partners to open a station at Wantage and Grove, subject to the Outline Business Case.

Objective SV14: Support the development of a car club network and car share schemes.

14.1 Collaborate with partners to provide a comprehensive network of car clubs, including the prioritisation of parking for car clubs.

14.2 Ensure car clubs use zero emission vehicles, where possible.

14.3 Work with developers and business to provide EV charging and parking to support car clubs/ car share and to encourage/promote car sharing to their employees.

14.4 Develop a car share awareness/ expansion programme through collaboration with partners.

Objective SV15: Implement demand management measures in areas which are well served by sustainable transport.

15.1 Identify locations for potential demand management measures in suitable locations including restricting car parking availability.

15.2 Work with partners to develop a strategy for the implementation of demand management measures.

15.3 Support the removal of on-street parking along identified routes and high footfall areas, the LWCIPs, DCC, SATN and priority bus routes and to support the delivery of cycleways, where appropriate.

15.4 Consideration for the provision of new or extended Controlled Parking Zones.

15.5 Continue to work with our partners to reduce the number of existing parking spaces at existing employment locations, including but not limited to Milton Park, Harwell Campus, Culham Campus and WilliamsF1.

Objective SV16: Deliver movement infrastructure schemes.

16.1 Support the delivery of:

a.  HIF1 (Widening of the A4130, Didcot Science Bridge, Didcot to Culham River Crossing and Clifton Hampden Bypass).
b.  Steventon Lights Integrated Transport Scheme.
c. Milton Heights walking, wheeling and cycling Bridge.
d.  Northern Perimeter Road Phase 3.
e.  Grove Northern Link Road.

Objective SV17: Develop future movement infrastructure schemes.

17.1 Consider exploring previously identified potential:

a.  A4074 Corridor Study (including Golden Balls).
b.  Didcot Central Corridor.
c. Frilford and Marcham Improvements
d.  Rowstock Area Travel Study.

17.2 Explore options for the walking, wheeling and cycling transport schemes safeguarded in the South and Vale JLP:

a. Historic canal route safeguarded for active travel (Wilts and Berks Canal).
b. Abingdon - Drayton via B4017 (SATN).
c. Abingdon - Marcham via A415 (SATN).
d. Abingdon - Berinsfield via A415 (SATN).
e. Peep-O-Day Lane - Sutton Courtenay (Active Travel).
f. Berinsfield - Oxford via A4074 (SATN).
g. Berinsfield - Oxford via Marsh Baldon (SATN).
h. Milton Park - Steventon via Cinder Track (SATN).
i. Harwell Campus - Wantage via Ardington (SATN).
j. Harwell Campus - Milton Park via Hungerford Road, Milton Hill, and Milton Heights Active Travel Bridge (SATN).
k. Harwell Campus - Harwell village via Winaway (SATN).

17.3 Consider exploring previously identified potential:

a. Southern Didcot Movement Corridor.
b. South Abingdon Movement Corridor.
c. Wantage Western Movement Corridor.
d. Improvements to Featherbed Lane / Steventon Junction, Relief to Rowstock and Harwell to Didcot Busway.
e. A4130 Road Safety Improvements.
f. Improved Access to A34 near Milton Park.

Objective SV18: Develop Corridor Movement and Place Strategies for existing key routes.

18.1 Develop Corridor Movement and Place Strategies on corridors identified in LTCP Part 1:
a. A4074.
b. A34.

18.2 Consider locations for other Corridor Movement and Place Strategies.

Objective SV19: Support the safeguarding of land for movement schemes.

19.1 Continue to collaborate with the district councils to safeguard land within Local Plans for movement schemes.

19.2 Review whether the safeguarding of land for movement schemes needs to be retained in future Local Plans.

19.3 Work to identify new areas where the safeguarding of land would be required for future movement schemes.

19.4 Collaborate with partners to explore and identify locations for depots, bus stops and interchanges to support public transport and walking, wheeling and cycling.

Objective SV20: Improve freight, deliveries, and servicing.

20.1 Work with the district councils to continue the electrification of food-waste collection vehicles and encourage all fleet vehicles to be zero-emission (e.g. refuse vehicles, vans).

20.2 Explore opportunities to introduce HGV restrictions, for through vehicle trips, in Didcot and Wantage, in areas with high walking, wheeling and cycling movements (e.g. upon delivery of HIF1 and NPR3).

20.3 Explore opportunities for a zonal network of zero emission parcel deliveries in Didcot, including opportunities for future expansion.

20.4 Implement a zonal network of zero emission parcel deliveries in Didcot.

20.5 Collaborate with partners to introduce opportunities for first and last mile deliveries hubs using cargo bikes and e-cargo bikes at employment sites in Science Vale.

20.6 Collaborate with partners to explore opportunities to provide micro consolidation hubs at the Science Parks and other multi-operator employment sites.

20.7 Support the rollout of parcel/ grocery lockers at key transport locations such as Didcot Parkway, Culham, Wantage and Grove, Mobility Hubs, and local and district centres to support integrated travel.

20.8 Explore the opportunities to deliver rail freight hubs in Science Vale.

20.9 Investigate the opportunities for a trial of autonomous HGVs and truck platooning in Science Vale, in line with Objective SV22.

Objective SV21: Develop a Climate Resilience Strategy for Science Vale.

21.1 Investigate opportunities to improve flood resilience in areas with the highest risk.

21.2 Support wider use of blue infrastructure for movement schemes, where applicable.

21.3 Support wider use of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and at new developments, where applicable.

21.4 Develop a strategy to provide the greening or putting solar panels on of bus stops, train stations, signage, mobility hubs, etc.

21.5 Support schemes that achieve greening and re-wilding of places.

21.6 Support schemes and help to implement proposals to reduce air pollution.

21.7 Support the implementation of projects in the Didcot Green Infrastructure Strategy.

Objective SV22: Continue to develop Science Vale as a local, regional, national, and global hub for testing new and innovative technologies.

22.1 We will seek to explore the following (but not limited to):

a.  Zero-emission self-driving vehicle network (i.e., buses, taxis).
b.  Electric charging hubs for e-bikes, buses, commercial vehicles, and cars, etc.
c. 5G/ 6G and further generation networks along key travel corridors, such as the A34, Oxford Canal Line and Great Western mainline.
d.  Artificial Intelligence uses.
e.  Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) deliveries at Harwell Campus, Milton Park, and Culham Campus.
f. SMART infrastructure (combining physical and digital infrastructure).

22.2 In turn we will:

a.  Facilitate forthcoming new technology to inform future movement and place networks.
b.  Pro-actively seek funding opportunities to deliver and support innovation.
c. Facilitate forthcoming new technology on our transport network.
d.  Undertake monitoring and evaluation of schemes.
e.  Support the county and other Local Authorities (LAs) by providing data and insights (Living Lab).

Objectives and related outcomes 

The table below sets out the objectives identified for Science Vale and their connection to the nine MAP Plan outcomes.