Council sets out ambitious approach for where future growth could happen in continued drive towards a better West Oxfordshire

A report setting out the approach to identifying potential locations for housing and economic growth will be considered by the Council’s Overview & Scrutiny Committee on 15 October, before going to the Executive on 22 October. If agreed, this will pave the way for a full public consultation starting in early November when residents, businesses and other key stakeholders will be invited to comment on a range of issues including potential site options. 

Cllr Hugo Ashton, Executive Member for Planning, said: 

“Whilst this is still a draft document, we are working to ensure we have a sound Local Plan in place next year so that we can control the location and nature of development in our District. This means we must aim to provide at least 905 homes annually which is the requirement set by the National Government. We want everyone in West Oxfordshire to have a home that suits their needs, and have access to more local jobs close to where they live. That’s why we are being proactive in creating a positive, ambitious plan – working hand in hand with our communities to better control how the district grows. 

“This stage of developing our Local Plan will set out potential locations for housing and economic growth across West Oxfordshire – from new homes and employment land to supporting infrastructure and areas for nature recovery. 

“We have already made changes to the plan in response to local feedback, and now we will be asking residents for their views on which potential sites are best for new homes and businesses. 

“Our aim is to plan positively and ambitiously for the district’s future. That means homes that local people can afford – so young people and families aren’t priced out – as well as protecting schools, providing space for new jobs and businesses, and creating green places that improve health and wellbeing. These are decisions that will shape West Oxfordshire for the next generation, and residents will soon have another chance to influence them.” 

The forthcoming consultation responds to previous feedback and will focus on four main issues. 

Firstly, whether the end date of the new Local Plan should be extended from 2041 to 2043 to ensure a 15-year period post-adoption of the plan in line with national policy. This will increase the number of homes that need to be planned for to 16,290, with the Council aiming to identify an overall supply of 18,000 new homes to provide additional flexibility. 

Secondly, a revised settlement hierarchy following feedback from previous consultations that responds to residents’ concerns and proposes to group towns and villages in a more logical way that better reflects the character and capacity of each place. As part of this, views will also be sought on the most appropriate levels of growth to plan for at each ‘tier’ of the hierarchy.  

Thirdly, how the new Local Plan should address previous allocated sites that are yet to secure planning permission such as Salt Cross Garden Village, West Eynsham and other sites at Witney and Carterton. Here, the intention is to refresh and update those allocations to take account of relevant changes in circumstance since the previous Local Plan was adopted in 2018. 

Fourthly, the consultation will explore the merits of new areas of potential development for housing and employment growth, with a particular focus on strategic-scale growth at Carterton and Witney in line with the overall  growth strategy but also including smaller options at other towns and villages including Long Hanborough, Bampton, Standlake, Burford, Charlbury and Tackley. The Carterton Area Strategic Plan forms part of this bigger picture, setting out how the town and surrounding communities can grow sustainably, with the right infrastructure in place from the outset. 

Initial feedback on these potential growth locations will be taken into account along with further technical evidence as the Council decides which sites to take forward and formally allocate in its final draft plan next year. 

Cllr Andy Graham, Leader of the Council, said: 

“This is about creating an even better place to live and work. We are determined not to repeat the mistakes of the past, where housing came forward without the right infrastructure. While major investment ultimately rests with Government, we are using every power we have locally – from introducing the Community Infrastructure Levy, to requiring infrastructure delivery plans for all sites, and placing conditions so homes can’t be occupied until essential services are in place. 

“We should not be afraid of facing challenges when it means delivering lasting improvements for our communities. This is about making growth work for West Oxfordshire: planned, affordable, and sustainable – not piecemeal or speculative. New homes will be designed to reduce running costs and create cleaner, healthier places for future generations.  

“We want enough homes to keep schools open, space for new businesses so we’re not just a dormitory district, and communities where people of all ages can live securely and well. The upcoming consultation is our communities’ chance to comment, and their feedback will directly shape the final plan we bring forward next year.” 

The consultation, expected to launch in early November, subject to approval, will run for seven weeks (between 3 November and 22 December 2025) with both online and in-person opportunities to engage. Public feedback will directly inform the Draft Local Plan, due to be published in 2026. Residents will get another chance to comment on final proposals before they are submitted to Government for approval later that year.