Executive agrees ambitious Local Plan for West Oxfordshire that has been shaped by the largest public consultation to date
West Oxfordshire District Council’s Executive has agreed to recommend to Full Council that the final draft Local Plan 2043 be published for public consultation later this summer.
The Local Plan will guide how West Oxfordshire grows and develops up to 2043, helping to shape where new homes, jobs, infrastructure, community facilities and green spaces are delivered across the district.
The Council committed at the start of the process to developing a plan that listened to residents needs and tackled the key challenges facing the district including the need for better infrastructure, more truly affordable home and more jobs
This final draft plan has been developed over several years and follows four rounds of public consultation. It has resulted in over three times as many responses as the last Local Plan at the equivalent stage, with over 6,900 comments gathered so far and taken on board by the Council.
As part of its commitment to widening participation, the Council has taken part in a national PropTech pilot programme, using innovative digital tools, interactive mapping and online engagement platforms, helping more people understand the Local Plan and take part in the process.
Feedback received through previous consultations has directly shaped the final draft plan, with several key themes emerging consistently from residents and stakeholders.
One of the strongest messages was the need to ensure infrastructure keeps pace with growth. In response, the plan puts much greater emphasis on the requirement for developers to provide the infrastructure communities need, with planning permission only granted where it can be demonstrated that necessary infrastructure will be in place at the right time.
Residents also highlighted the importance of making the best possible use of previously developed brownfield land. In response, the plan seeks to maximise brownfield opportunities where possible, including the redevelopment of existing developed land in locations such as Witney and Carterton.
Transport and congestion, particularly along the A40 corridor, featured prominently in consultation responses. The plan promotes the delivery of transport improvements and safeguards land to support future public transport links, including a Mass Rapid Transit solution.
The need for more affordable homes was another key theme. In response, the draft plan includes stronger policies requiring affordable housing provision, with a particular focus on social rented homes, alongside support for specialist housing needs including housing for older people and self-build opportunities.
Many respondents also emphasised the importance of protecting West Oxfordshire's landscapes and natural environment. The plan includes a dedicated policy for the Cotswolds National Landscape, and a range of measures designed to ensure development is planned sensitively and sustainably.
Cllr Liz Leffman, Executive Member for Planning and Infrastructure, said:
"One of the most important aspects of preparing a Local Plan is listening to the people who live and work here.
"Throughout this process, residents, businesses and community organisations have told us what matters most to them, from infrastructure and affordable housing to protecting our environment and supporting the rural economy.
"This plan reflects those priorities. It is a plan directly shaped by our communities and will help us deliver improvements across the district."
Under national planning policy, West Oxfordshire is required to plan for around 16,290 new homes up to 2043. The Council has also agreed to accommodate a further 2,000 homes to help neighbouring Oxford City with its ‘unmet’ housing need, increasing the overall housing requirement to just over 18,000 homes. The draft plan sets out how that growth could be accommodated in a planned and sustainable way, supported by infrastructure, environmental protections and investment in local communities.
Cllr Andy Graham, Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, said:
"In our view, preparing a Local Plan is about making positive and proactive long-term decisions for future generations.
"We are very pleased to be presenting this final draft of the Local Plan before it goes out for final consultation later this year. It is an ambitious plan. It is a positive plan. It is a plan that will deliver for our residents and directly tackles the challenges that face our communities.
"This draft plan will help us deliver the homes, jobs and infrastructure that supports thriving communities and a high quality of life for this generation and those to come."
Subject to approval at Full Council on 22 July, the draft Local Plan will be published for formal consultation later this summer before being submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for independent examination.
Further details about the consultation, including how to view the draft plan and submit comments, will be announced shortly.