Consultation to begin on Planning Inspector's feedback on the plans for the new Salt Cross Garden Village

The consultation, which will last for 6 weeks, focuses on the Planning Inspector’s response to the council's plans and allows residents to give their views on the changes proposed by the Inspector, including their proposal to revise the council’s plans for zero-carbon development. All responses to the consultation will be considered by the Inspectors when finalising their report, and we foresee the AAP’s adoption later this year. 

Carl Rylett, Cabinet Member for Planning & Sustainable Development said, “We want Salt Cross to be a groundbreaking, sustainable housing development which is why we are pushing for more when it comes to affordable homes, biodiversity and active travel, with a view to making this an exemplar development of national as well as local importance. 

“Our plan sets the bar high and endeavours to deliver a garden village of the future that sets the standards for protecting our local wildlife, is affordable for local people and provides jobs and sustainable infrastructure. We are pleased that having considered the draft plan, the Inspectors have concluded that much of it should remain intact.

“However, as I have said before, we are very disappointed the Inspector has raised concerns about the net zero carbon building approach we put forward. This consultation gives people an opportunity to give their views on all the proposed changes from the Inspector including this one and we will continue to look at any options available to us to push for more zero carbon development.

“Salt Cross has been designed in collaboration with local people and I would like to thank all the residents and local organisations who have worked with us to get the plans to this stage as well as encouraging them to respond to this important consultation before the plan is finalised later this year.”

The plan for the site, known as the Area Action Plan sets out the framework for how the Salt Cross Garden Village should be a landscape led development, taking into account key factors such as affordable housing, protecting the environment, active travel and business growth.

The AAP was developed through extensive consultation with local communities to make sure the development is right for the district. The plan has to be approved by the national Planning Inspector before development can begin on site.

The plan includes:

• A requirement to deliver 25% biodiversity net gain compared to a national standard of at least 10%
• A mix of new homes including opportunities for self-build and 50% affordable housing, including a mixture of rented and affordable home ownership options
• A new 40ha science and technology park adjacent to a ‘park and ride’ into Oxford
• Around 50% (including private gardens and green roofs) of the area will form an accessible and high quality green infrastructure network
• A comprehensive network for walking and cycling to reduce the need for reliance on cars 
• A plan to ensure that local people are able to benefit from training and local job opportunities

All material can be found online at www.westoxon.gov.uk/gardenvillage and will be distributed to local libraries and public buildings. Residents can find out more and provide their feedback by 5pm on Friday 4 November 2022