All News

Following its resounding success in bringing local projects to life, the Westhive community crowdfunding initiative will be reviewed to consider continuation for its third year. Alongside this, the Council is also exploring a new small grants scheme to offer more community funding opportunities and support for groups running much smaller community projects, or for projects that are not yet well established.

West Oxfordshire District Council is taking the next step in shaping the future of the district, with an updated, ambitious Local Plan, which aims to deliver significant opportunities for the benefit of communities and the environment. 

At a meeting on 24 February, the Council’s Development Control Committee considered the Council’s response to the Botley West Solar Farm proposal, raising a number of significant concerns that will be sent to the Planning Inspectorate. 

As the UK transitions away from fossil fuels towards cleaner, renewable energy sources, the energy grid will need to adapt to store and distribute energy more efficiently, ensuring it is available where and when it is needed.

Oxfordshire County Council, Oxford City Council and West Oxfordshire, Cherwell, South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district councils have joined together, under the Future Oxfordshire Partnership, to deliver pioneering Local Area Energy Plans (LAEPs) for Oxfordshire, to address climate change and secure cleaner, more affordable energy for the county.

West Oxfordshire District Council is proud to have partnered with Hexagon, who are launching the new Hexagon Business Hub at the Council’s Elmfield offices this spring. The space, previously an office for council employees, has been transformed into a dynamic business hub aimed at boosting local enterprise and innovation. Managed by Hexagon, the hub offers affordable, flexible office spaces and has already attracted businesses from a wide range of sectors. 

West Oxfordshire District Council Executive have committed £10,000 to help fund mental health support for local residents.  

West Oxfordshire District Council will be formally submitting its objection over Cherwell District Council’s latest proposal to build 450 homes on land south-east of Woodstock. The site was previously deemed unsuitable by a Government Planning Inspector, yet it has reappeared in Cherwell’s emerging Local Plan. 

At a meeting on 24 February, the Development Control Committee will be considering the Council’s response to the Botley West Solar Farm proposal that has now been submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for determination.

West Oxfordshire District Council have agreed final budget proposals that include investing more in local services and priorities over the next financial year.  

West Oxfordshire District Council is excited to announce that the Spring 2025 funding round for its popular community crowdfunding initiative, Westhive, is now open for applications. Residents and community groups are encouraged to bring forward their ideas to create vibrant, connected, and inclusive communities across the district.

West Oxfordshire District Council is calling on the government to help address ongoing sewage pollution in the district’s rivers and ensure that the necessary infrastructure improvements are made to prevent further environmental damage. 

West Oxfordshire businesses in the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors will continue to benefit from Business Rates relief in the 2025/26 financial year, helping them face ongoing economic pressures through a reduction in their business rates.