Have your say on West Oxfordshire's future as final Local Plan consultation opens

The Local Plan is the Council's key strategic planning document setting out how West Oxfordshire will accommodate future growth, including new homes, jobs, infrastructure and community facilities, while protecting the environment and responding to the climate and ecological emergency. 

This consultation, known as the Regulation 19, pre-submission stage, follows four previous rounds of engagement and consultation carried out since 2022. It represents the final opportunity to comment on the draft plan before it is submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for independent examination. 

The draft Local Plan has been informed by extensive evidence gathering and public engagement, with more than 6,900 responses received throughout the process so far. 

Cllr Liz Leffman, Executive Member for Planning and Infrastructure, said: 

"This is an important milestone in the preparation of West Oxfordshire's new Local Plan. 

"The plan brings together several years of evidence gathering, technical work and public consultation into a single document that sets out our proposed approach to meeting housing needs, delivering infrastructure, supporting jobs and responding to climate change. 

"We encourage anyone with an interest in the future of West Oxfordshire to take the time to review the plan and submit their comments during this final stage of consultation." 

Cllr Andy Graham, Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, said: 

"More than 6,900 consultation responses have helped shape the plan so far, making this the most extensively engaged-upon Local Plan the Council has prepared. 

"We recognised from the outset that the decisions contained within the Local Plan will help shape West Oxfordshire for decades to come, which is why it has been so important to hear from residents, businesses and stakeholders throughout the process. 

"This consultation represents the final opportunity to comment on the plan before it is submitted for independent examination, and we encourage everyone to have their say." 

As part of the statutory process for preparing a Local Plan, the Council is required to publish the draft plan in full and invite representations before it is submitted for examination. 

The consultation platform can be accessed online here.   

The consultation platform includes the full draft Local Plan and supporting documents, with the opportunity to submit comments electronically. 

Hard copies of the consultation documents will also be available at the Council offices and a number of deposit locations including local libraries. 

We have also created a virtual consultation room, providing an accessible way to explore the Draft Local Plan and its key proposals online.. 

Public drop-in events will be held across the district, giving residents the opportunity to speak with planning officers, ask questions and find out more about the draft plan. Details of these events are as follows: