West Oxfordshire District Council welcomes new Executive Member to lead on plans for the future of the district
Councillor Hugo Ashton has joined the Council’s Executive as the Executive Member for Local Plan. The change comes after Councillor Charlie Maynard stepped down from the Executive to seek election as a Member of Parliament.
Councillor Andy Graham, Leader of the Council, said, “I would like to thank Cllr Maynard for his service on the Executive. He has done a fantastic job working with officers on improving our planning service and working towards a more sustainable future for the district.
“I would like to welcome Cllr Ashton to the Executive and look forward to working with him on this key area of Council delivery as we look to plan for a future for West Oxfordshire. This important portfolio will help deliver more affordable homes, tackle the climate emergency, support communities, and protect our environment. Key tasks will include developing a robust local plan that will improve public transport and infrastructure, build our economy, and help people lead healthy lifestyles. We will also focus on planning initiatives that boost the local economy, make the best use of land, and meet future housing needs."
Councillor Hugo Ashton said, “It is an honour to be stepping up to the Executive for West Oxfordshire District Council. Planning for the future of the district is incredibly important and we have an ambitious plan to increase affordable homes and improve the district for our residents.
“I look forward to working with communities to bring those ambitions to life as we develop our new Local Plan, focusing on sustainable development to create a West Oxfordshire that is fit for the future.”
The Local Plan portfolio on the Council’s Executive includes responsibility for:
- Local Plan
- Development Management
- Government planning policies and guidance
- Ensuring planning policies meet 2030 requirements
- Assets of Community Value
- Customer Services
The change in Executive Members was made at the Executive Meeting on Monday 22 July.
There were also small changes to other portfolios to better balance work across the team and ensure all key topics have a responsible executive member. The full list of responsibilities can be found on the council's website here: https://www.westoxon.gov.uk/about-the-council/executive-roles-and-responsibilities/