National tourism agency backs £600m theme park plan

Plans to build a £600m historical theme park in the countryside have been backed by the national tourism agency.

French firm Puy du Fou submitted proposals to build the site north of Bicester to Cherwell District Council last year.

VisitBritain, which is funded by the Government's Department for Culture, Media and Sport, says it "can see the potential for this project to generate significant interest and excitement among domestic and international visitors alike".

It comes after Blenheim Palace announced its support for the plans, which received criticism from local campaigners over Puy du Fou's associations with the controversial political positions of its founder.

Andrew Stokes, director of the British Tourist Authority - which also operates under the name VisitEngland - said in the letter of support that proposals such as Puy du Fou's "demonstrate confidence in the UK as a destination, in our leisure sector, and in the long-term strength of the visitor economy".

Puy du Fou's plans, which include four period villages and 13 live shows, have also been backed by Experience Oxfordshire, the county's main destination management organisation.

In the letter of support chief executive Hayley Beer-Gamage said: "The decision by Puy du Fou to invest in Oxfordshire, and specifically within the Cherwell district, is a strong endorsement of the area as a globally recognised destination.

"This investment will drive job creation, stimulate economic growth, and increase visitor spend across both the district and the wider county."

It added that the proposed development, which includes conference facilities, represents a "significant opportunity, as such capacity is currently lacking within the county".

Puy du Fou's plans have sparked concerns from some locals, who have expressed fears about the impact the site will have on things such as traffic and wildlife.

Meanwhile, Somerton Parish Council fears the "unprecedented" levels of development within three miles of the village - including plans for 9,000 homes at Heyford Park and a railway freight interchange - could be an "environmental disaster" and has urged organisations to work together to make sure the area is protected.

Oxfordshire County Council previously said it has "requested" the developers to work together, to take a "holistic view" on the overall improvements needed.