West Oxfordshire welcomes Oxfordshire growth report and its benefits for local communities

Councillor Andy Graham, Leader of the Council, said: “This report shows real confidence in Oxfordshire’s future and the role places like West Oxfordshire play in supporting sustainable growth across the region.  

“I am very pleased to see the addition of a western growth corridor, recognising the potential of West Oxfordshire and the investment we need to improve our transport network and move forward with a rail link.  

“It is good to see this goes further than the existing county-level plans that unfortunately didn’t go far enough in recognising the full potential of the whole county and our links with the wider area. We hope those plans will be amended to reflect the ambition of this government report. 

“For our communities, it means more jobs, better connections and investment that helps towns like Carterton, Witney and the new Salt Cross development thrive, while protecting what makes our district special.” 

The report highlights the importance of balanced growth across the county, with Carterton, Witney and Salt Cross identified as a key locations for growth with new employment and infrastructure. This builds on work already under way through the Council’s Local Plan to support local jobs, services and facilities, helping the area grow in a planned and sustainable way that benefits existing and new residents. 

The report’s focus on better rail connections, including the potential for new and enhanced east–west links, supports long-standing ambitions to improve access to work, education and services, while reducing congestion and cutting carbon emissions. Better rail links would also make it easier for businesses to invest and grow in the district. 

Councillor Graham added, “The report reinforces the need for strong, local strategic leadership, joined-up decision making and an approach that builds on Oxford and the whole of the wider county. Its findings align with the principles behind the proposed two-unitary model for local government reorganisation where two councils would have the focus and scale to ensure growth, infrastructure and public services are planned and delivered at pace and to meet the needs of communities.” 

West Oxfordshire District Council will continue to work with Government, neighbouring councils and local partners to make sure the opportunities set out in the report translate into real benefits on the ground, supporting thriving communities, a strong local economy and a greener future for West Oxfordshire.