Councils join forces to shape the future of the Thames Valley
West Oxfordshire District Council has approved plans to join a new partnership with councils across Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Swindon to help shape the future of the Thames Valley through a new long-term Spatial Development Strategy (SDS).
Councillor Andy Graham, Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, said:
"Many of the biggest opportunities and challenges we face, such as delivering the right infrastructure, protecting and restoring nature, tackling climate change and supporting sustainable economic growth, extend far beyond district boundaries.
"By working in partnership with neighbouring councils, we can help shape a shared vision for the Thames Valley to deliver positive change while continuing to represent the interests of West Oxfordshire and our residents.
"This is about planning ahead. Working together will help us make a stronger case for investment, coordinate infrastructure across the region and ensure future growth is supported by the transport, services and environmental improvements our communities need."
The strategy is a new requirement introduced by the Government through the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025. It will provide a strategic framework for planning across council boundaries, helping to coordinate future housing, employment, transport, utilities, healthcare, nature recovery and other major infrastructure needed to support sustainable growth across the region.
The Spatial Development Strategy will sit above individual Local Plans, providing an overarching vision for the Thames Valley while allowing councils to continue preparing Local Plans that reflect the needs and priorities of their own communities.
The partnership will bring together councils from Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Swindon during the early stages of developing the strategy. This work will establish the evidence base, governance arrangements and programme needed before a statutory Strategic Planning Board is formally established by Government.
The strategy will help identify shared priorities for growth and investment across the Thames Valley, including housing, employment, transport, green infrastructure, climate resilience and nature recovery. It will also support closer collaboration between councils and infrastructure providers on issues that cross local authority boundaries.
Contact Information
West Oxfordshire District Council Communications Team
Notes to editors
Bracknell Forest Council will act as the accountable body for the partnership during this initial phase, managing Government funding and coordinating the programme on behalf of the participating authorities.