Salt Cross Garden Village gets the green light as ambitious plan due to be approved

The Inspector’s report, published after a rigorous and extended examination process, fully supports the Council’s strategy for delivering a climate-conscious, well-designed and future-ready community. Crucially, it confirms that the Council’s flagship Net Zero Carbon Development policy – which sets ambitious energy efficiency requirements for new buildings – is justified, effective, and fit for purpose. 

Salt Cross is one of the first new communities in the country to embed a clear, energy-led net zero standard into its planning framework. It sets a new benchmark for how local plans can respond meaningfully to the climate emergency. 

Cllr Hugo Ashton, Executive Member for Planning, said: 

“This is a huge moment for Salt Cross and for West Oxfordshire. Salt Cross is all about doing things differently. From the beginning, we’ve worked to prove that net zero development can be practical, viable and legally robust, and I am extremely proud that we have been able to achieve that. 

“This plan shows that strong local ambition, backed by evidence and community support, can create a framework for better, climate-conscious places. We could not have achieved this without the continued positive support by campaign groups such as Rights Community Action.  

We’re delighted that Salt Cross can now move into the next phase with a clear direction and strong support from the Oxford Growth Commission.” 

The Area Action Plan (AAP) will guide the creation of Salt Cross, located to the north of the A40 near Eynsham. It includes: 

• Around 2,200 new homes 

• 40 hectares of employment land 

• Schools, community facilities and green infrastructure 

• Safe and direct walking, cycling and public transport routes 

• A Biodiverse Country Park and ambitious targets for biodiversity net gain 

The Inspector’s endorsement follows years of public input and detailed scrutiny. In 2023, the plan’s net zero policy was subject to a judicial review, prompting further examination. With strong community backing and following additional hearings and very minor amendments, the Planning Inspector has confirmed that the plan is sound. 

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

“Salt Cross has always aimed high, and the Inspector’s report shows that we were right to do so. It’s proof that local leadership matters. Despite legal challenges and changing national policy, we’ve held the line and delivered a robust, ambitious plan that responds directly to the challenges we face, from the climate emergency to the need for well-planned, sustainable growth. 

“Salt Cross will be a place that reflects the values of our district – sustainable, forward-looking, and built to last. We also hope it will serve as a model for other local authorities seeking to deliver genuinely climate-conscious development through the planning system. The lessons from Salt Cross can help raise the bar nationally.” 

The Council’s Executive will review the Inspector’s report and its findings at its meeting on Wednesday 11 February. The report will then be considered for adoption at a Full Council meeting on Wednesday 25 February 2026. 

Once adopted by the Council, the AAP will pave the way for the next phase: decision-making and delivery. It will provide the basis for assessing future planning applications and infrastructure proposals at Salt Cross, ensuring development comes forward in line with the vision and policies set out in the AAP. An outline planning application for the site is already under review, alongside ongoing discussions around funding for local infrastructure and services through Section 106 agreements. Detailed planning applications for individual parts of the village will follow in due course. 

To help residents, local communities and developers stay informed on the Salt Cross journey, the Council has launched a dedicated Salt Cross website where key milestones and updates will be shared as the development progresses: https://www.saltcross.co.uk/