A dispute has emerged in Oxfordshire over plans to build a large logistics warehouse complex near the Tusmore Park estate, owned by businessman and former Conservative donor Wafic Said. The Cherwell district council has faced criticism after it chose not to defend its earlier rejection of the proposed development.

The proposal involves the construction of four extensive warehouses at Baynards Green, near the M40 motorway. The site covers an area reportedly larger than 200 football pitches, drawing significant opposition from local residents who value the rural character of the surrounding countryside.

Cherwell district council initially refused planning permission for the project, citing concerns over the scale and impact of the scheme. However, ahead of a scheduled review by the Planning Inspectorate in September, the council has dropped its opposition and will not present evidence to support its previous decision.

Mr. Said, 86, who rebuilt the Tusmore Manor House in 2000 and has managed the estate for nearly four decades, expressed deep disappointment with the council’s change in stance. He accused the council of "capitulating to developers” and “turning its back” on the local community. He stressed the value of the area’s “quintessential Oxfordshire countryside” and said that the proposed development would undermine his long-standing efforts to preserve Tusmore Park.

The businessman is known internationally for his role as a key intermediary in the 1980s Al-Yamamah arms deal between the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia, one of the largest export agreements in British history. Apart from his business endeavors, Mr. Said has been a philanthropist, notably donating to Oxford University’s Said Business School.

Local officials have expressed frustration over the council’s decision not to defend its original rejection. Nick Barnes, chairman of Stoke Lyne parish council, described the initial refusal as justified due to fundamental flaws in the planning applications and called the council’s withdrawal from the appeal “unexplained” and a failure to uphold its responsibilities.

Cherwell district council stated that the decision to cease defending the refusal was made “not taken lightly,” though it offered no further details. Efforts to obtain comment from Mr. Said and representatives of Tusmore Park had not yielded responses at the time of publication.

The outcome of the Planning Inspectorate’s review will determine whether the warehouse development proceeds, a decision poised to have lasting impacts on the landscape and local community.