West Oxfordshire District Council to push for net zero ambitions at Salt Cross

This move follows the recent High Court success of Rights Community Action (RCA), who last year challenged a Planning Inspectorate decision to limit the net zero ambitions at the garden village. However, since then, a new Written Ministerial Statement, issued by the previous government, has once again limited what the Council can do. 

Councillor Andy Graham, Leader of the Council, said, “Our initial plans for Salt Cross included a ground-breaking, highly ambitious policy that would require the whole development to be net zero carbon in operation.  

“This would mean the new garden village would develop homes that would be cheaper to run, tackle the climate crisis and be fit for the future. We have also calculated it would be financially viable to deliver. 

“The community told us they wanted this policy, they fought for it in the courts on our behalf. We now feel we need to speak to the current Government to try and change the most recent Written Ministerial Statement and protect the policy that our communities want. 

“We appreciate this will extend the process but we feel it is the right thing to do for West Oxfordshire, other local authorities with similar ambitions and for the environment. We look forward to speaking with Government to try and make the changes we need to create a brighter, greener future that also delivers the homes we need.” 

The RCA High Court hearings took place in November 2023 and the judgement was handed down in February 2024, overturning the Planning Inspectorate’s decision to say the Council’s net zero policy was not allowed.  

In the intervening period, the Government issued a Written Ministerial Statement in December 2023 which effectively prevents the Salt Cross net zero plan policy being able to move forward in the form agreed with local communities.  

The Council has written to the Planning Inspectorate asking to pause the planning process for Salt Cross while it seeks further clarification from Government. 

The Council will also be asking why some councils have been able to get approval for very similar plans in different parts of the country while they were declined in West Oxfordshire.  

The Council will be moving forward with the process once it has clarity from Government on what the national policy is and how it should proceed.