Agenda
PDF 299 KBVenue: Council Chamber, Council Offices, Woodgreen, Witney, Oxfordshire OX28 1NB. View directions
Contact: Democratic Services
Media
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Apologies for Absence To receive any apologies for absence. Additional documents: |
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Declarations of Interest To receive any declarations from Members of Council on any items to be considered at the meeting. Additional documents: |
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Minutes of Previous Meeting To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 25 February 2026. Additional documents: |
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Receipt of Announcements To receive any announcements from The Chair, Leader, Members of the Executive, Head of Paid Service, Director of Finance or Director of Governance and Regulatory Services. Additional documents: |
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Participation of the Public To receive any submissions from members of the public, in accordance with the Council’s Public Participation Rules.
The deadline for submission is 2.00pm, two clear working days before the meeting. Additional documents: |
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Questions by Members The following questions have been submitted by Members of Council to Members of the Executive, in accordance with the Council Procedure Rules (Constitution Part 5A, Rule 12).
Written responses will be circulated to Members and published on the Council’s website at least one working day prior to the meeting. A Member submitting a question is entitled to ask one supplementary question at the meeting which must arise directly from the question or the response to it.
The supplementary questions and answers will be detailed in the minutes of the meeting.
Question 1: From Councillor Ruth Smith to Councillor Alaric Smith, Executive Member for Finance:
Residents on Madley Park are concerned about the algae and perceived overgrowth of reeds in the balancing ponds. People wonder who manages the ponds.
I have been in contact with a council ecologist via the Estates team, who was very helpful and will take the matter forward in due course. In the meantime, please can the Executive Member
a) confirm whether or not site visits are regular or merely responsive and; b) work with the communications team to inform residents that WODC is responsible for the balancing ponds and acts to manage issues when ecologists deem necessary. That way residents will have peace of mind and will know who to contact when concerns arise.
Question 2: From Councillor Liam Walker to Councillor Andrew Prosser, Executive Member for Climate Action and Nature Recovery
Data from the House of Commons Library suggests that around 10,600 households in the Witney area are not connected to the gas grid and instead rely on heating oil or LPG, leaving many rural residents particularly exposed to rising global fuel prices. Given the scale of this issue in West Oxfordshire, what assessment has the administration made of the impact of rising off-grid heating costs on residents, and will the Council advocate for targeted support such as a rural heating support payment for affected households?
Question 3: From Councillor Liam Walker to Councillor Geoff Saul, Executive Member for Housing and Social Care
There is a growing issue across England of unadopted amenities on privately managed housing estates, where infrastructure such as roads, green spaces and drainage systems are maintained by private management companies rather than being adopted by local authorities. With a number of new developments being built across West Oxfordshire, this can leave residents facing ongoing estate management charges while still paying full council tax.
Did the District Council submit a response to the Government’s recent consultation on this issue, and if so, what position did West Oxfordshire District Council take in relation to protecting residents from unfair or excessive estate management fees on new housing estates?
Question 4: From Councillor Liam Walker to Councillor Andy Graham, Leader of the Council:
As Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council you also have the responsibility for emergency planning. Can the Leader therefore outline what role he personally played during the recent water outage which left thousands of homes across parts of West Oxfordshire without water ... view the full agenda text for item 6. Additional documents: |
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Recommendations from the Constitution Working Group Purpose To present recommendations from the Constitution Working Group related to delegations for regulatory matters, a review of the planning committee process and Member Questions.
Recommendations That Council resolves to: 1. Approve the updates to Part 4E: Functions in Relation to Regulatory Matters, as shown in Annex A. 2. Agree to rename the Development Control Committee to “Strategic Planning Committee”, with effect from the start of the 2026/27 civic year. 3. Agree to combine the two area planning sub-committees (Lowlands and Uplands) into a single, district-wide 12-Member “Development Management Sub-Committee” (quorum 3), with effect from the start of the 2026/27 civic year. 4. Agree to amend Part 3C: Committee Functions, as shown in Annex C, from the start of the 2026/27 civic year to give effect to recommendations 2 and 3. 5. Agree that the new Development Management Sub-Committee will meet on the Lowlands meeting dates in 2026/27, with the Uplands dates held for overspill meetings, should the sub-committee need to adjourn and reconvene. 6. Request that the Council’s Independent Remuneration Panel meets to consider the implications of changing the planning committee structure for the Members’ Allowances Scheme 2023-27 and formally report back to the May Council meeting with any recommendations. 7. Agree that the Process for Determining Planning Applications (Annex D) and Roles and Responsibilities on Planning Committees (Annex E) be included in the Constitution as appendices to Part 6Q: Members Planning Code of Good Practice. 8. Agree to amend the rules for Member Questions, as shown in Annex F, Part 5A Council Procedure Rules to: a) Introduce a word limit of 250 words on Member Questions. b) Introduce a time limit of 1 minute for supplementary Member Questions. c) Rotate the order of Member Questions by political group, in the same way that Motions rotate. Additional documents:
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Motions on Notice Additional documents: |
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Motion A - Response to the proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework Proposed by Councillor Andy Goodwin, Seconded by Councillor Early West Oxfordshire District Council has responded to a Government consultation on proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), backing some elements of the reforms but urging Ministers to rethink proposals that could weaken local planning powers. The consultation proposes a number of fundamental changes to the current NPPF. West Oxfordshire District Council supports the changes in the new draft framework, that create a clearer structure and bring together guidance that currently sits in several different places. This should simplify the process for Councils to prepare local plans, reducing costs and speeding up the process. However, the response also highlights several significant concerns: · Nature recovery and climate resilience are treated as secondary considerations rather than fundamental planning principles. · The proposal to move more policy detail from local plans into nationally set planning rules. This is a step too far and local plans must continue to play a strong role in shaping development at the local level, reflecting the unique needs and circumstances of individual areas. · Reduced evidential requirements could hamper the ability of local planning authorities to robustly scrutinise applications and make well-informed, legally sound decisions. Ensuring proportionate but adequate supporting information is critical to maintaining confidence in the planning process. · The lack of transitional arrangements for the decision-making policies, which are proposed to take effect immediately upon publication of the final Framework. This approach risks rendering certain adopted local plan policies - including relatively recently adopted policies - out of date or subject to significantly reduced weight in decision-making. Such an outcome would undermine plan-led decision-making and create uncertainty for local authorities, applicants and communities. · The serious implication this has for policies such as the recently adopted net-zero carbon requirements set out in the Salt Cross Garden Village Area Action Plan (Written Ministerial Statement Planning – Local Energy Efficiency Standards Update (13 December 2023)), because locally set energy standards would not be allowed for in the new draft national planning rules. · The proposals for an overly permissive approach towards new development within and outside towns and villages and in locations near well-served railway stations, without reflecting the special conditions arising in a National Landscape. · The unsustainable further upward pressure on housing targets that will already be extremely challenging to deliver, as well as reduced local control over major energy and digital infrastructure projects. · The proposal that ‘medium-scale’ developments of up to 50 homes could avoid on-site affordable housing requirements and other established planning requirements. The Council resolves: 1. To request the Leader of the Council to write the Rt Hon Matthew Pennycook, the Minister of State for Housing and Planning), and our West Oxfordshire Members of Parliament to highlight the concerns raised above. Additional documents: |
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Motion B - Protecting Historical Figures in Banknotes Proposed by Councillor Liam Walker The Bank of England has announced plans for the next series of banknotes to feature British wildlife rather than notable historical figures such as Sir Winston Churchill, Jane Austen, J. M. W. Turner and Alan Turing.
Sir Winston Churchill, whose portrait currently appears on the £5 note, played a decisive role in leading the United Kingdom during the Second World War and remains one of the most widely recognised symbols of Britain’s resilience and democratic values. He was born at Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, and his life and legacy are deeply embedded in the history and identity of our district including where he was laid to rest in Bladon.
Blenheim Palace is one of the most significant historic landmarks in the United Kingdom and continues to celebrate Churchill’s legacy and attracts visitors from across the world, contributing to the cultural pride and economic vitality of West Oxfordshire.
Currency is not merely a medium of exchange but also a powerful national symbol reflecting the heritage, achievements and shared history of the United Kingdom.
Council believes that:
The removal of historical figures from banknotes risks diminishing the recognition of individuals who made profound contributions to the nation. Given West Oxfordshire’s unique and direct connection to Sir Winston Churchill through his birthplace at Blenheim Palace, the district has a particular responsibility to advocate for the preservation of his legacy in national life.
Celebrating British wildlife is valuable and worthwhile, but this should not come at the expense of honouring the individuals who helped shape Britain’s history and freedoms. National institutions should ensure that Britain’s cultural and historical legacy remains visible in public life, including on currency that is handled daily by millions of people.
Retaining Churchill on banknotes is not only a matter of national importance but also of local pride for communities such as ours, where his story began.
Council therefore resolves to:
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Motion C - Discretionary Business Rate Local Discount and Engagement Proposed by Councillor Ruth Smith, Seconded by Councillor Michael Brooker 2026 has seen the introduction of a new Business Rates system, with updated rateable values and changes to sector-specific rate relief. Councillors have been hearing from town centre businesses that the increases are a shock and a threat to the viability of their businesses. There are reports that it is hard to speak to council advisors about the changes. This Council would like the Executive members and CEO to consider adopting a Local Discounts and Incentives policy to safeguard the prosperity of West Oxfordshire’s high streets, local jobs and to promote growth within and relocation to the district, in the post 2026 rates landscape. In addition, assurances are sought that small businesses eligible for the Supporting Small Business Relief scheme can access clear information about how their rates will vary year on year until the full new rate is reached. Council notes:
https://www.westoxon.gov.uk/business-and-licensing/business-rates-and-rate-relief/rate-relief/ Council resolves to:
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This Council notes:
· The Recent Channel 4 docudrama ‘Dirty Business’ was shown in February 2026 and featured pollution of rivers in West Oxfordshire. · The River Windrush was polluted by sewage discharges from Burford Sewage Treatment Works (STW) for a total discharge duration of 338hours in 2024, which equates to around 14 days. (Estimates based on Thames Water data, https://top-of-the-poops.org/waterway/thames-water/river-windrush; accessed 16 March 2026). · Five STWs in the Evenlode catchment each discharged untreated sewage for over 2000 hours in 2024, which equates to more than 83 days. Data from Thames Water STW ‘Event Duration Monitors (https://earthwatch.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Water-Quality-in-the-Evenlode-Catchment-2024.pdf; accessed 16 March 2026). · During a cross-party EFRA Committee hearing in September 2025, Emma Hardy (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Water and Flooding in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)) clarified the high threshold for special administration, stating: "If it comes to special administration... it’s if a company can’t perform its basic duty, so if your water doesn't come out your taps and your sewage isn't being taken away". Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, Tuesday 9 September 2025. · There was a serious interruption to water supply in the OX7 and OX29 postcodes due to a burst water main in March 2026 that caused severe water supply interruptions (low pressure or no water) for thousands of residents and businesses in Oxfordshire. (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cq6qp0146ggo; accessed 16 March 2026).
This Council further notes:
· Raw sewage contains dangerous pathogens, including E. coli, hepatitis A, and parasites, which pose severe risks through direct contact or ingestion. Exposure causes gastrointestinal infections (vomiting, diarrhoea), skin/eye/ear infections, and respiratory issues. It is a major cause of waterborne diseases like cholera and dysentery. · Thames Water are responsible for 72 billion litres of sewage discharged into rivers since 2020, with 2024 data indicating a 50% increase in raw effluent dumped. · Thames Water have paid out £7.2bn to shareholders since 1989, including £158.3m in 2024.
This Council believes:
· Thames Water should be brought into special administration and then back into public ownership.
This Council resolves:
· To request that the Leader of the Council writes to the Prime Minister calling for Thames water to be brought into public ownership. · To request that the letter to the Prime Minister also asks that in the meantime no dividends should be made to Thames Water Shareholders, nor bonuses to Thames Water Management until all rivers in the region meet all clean water standards. · To request that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee regularly invites Thames Water to report on how much raw sewage has been pumped into West Oxfordshire rivers and the progress towards preventing this.
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This Council notes:
The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world; with only about 50% of its biodiversity remaining, it ranks in the bottom 10% globally. It is therefore of utmost importance that the remaining areas of high ecological value are preserved, as they may serve as nucleation sites for the wider nature recovery.
This is also a matter of urgency. The new Planning and Infrastructure Bill has been created to fast-track the delivery of the government’s ambition to build 1.5 million homes by the end of this parliament. This bill allows developers to meet their environmental obligations by making payments to the Nature Restoration Fund to promote nature restoration elsewhere.
Environmental organisations and campaigners are deeply concerned that this new strategy will encourage developers to damage the environment locally and simply ‘make up for it miles away’. According to legal analysis of the legislation, more than 5,000 of England’s most sensitive and rare natural habitats are at high risk.
SSSIs are areas of exceptional ecological or geological value that have legal protection. Their designation is one of the most important tools available for protecting the UK’s most valuable habitats and species. Designation and management of SSSIs is one of Natural England’s key statutory duties, which the Agency seems to be failing to fulfil. The rate of SSSI designations has slowed dramatically in recent years; the average time it takes to designate sites is getting longer. According to experts familiar with the matter, it takes up to 10 years to obtain an SSSI status. Moreover, it now appears that the Agency has suspended processing further designations altogether.
We have some sites with extraordinary habitats, such as floodplain meadows and ancient woodlands in West Oxfordshire. They require legal protection. The Council has a legal duty to conserve and enhance biodiversity, and one of our priorities is to “create a better environment for people and wildlife”.
Given the rapid pace of housing development and the current shortcomings of the Natural England watchdog, the Council should stand up for the local environment and demand answers and actions from the Agency.
The Council resolves to: Ask the Leader of the Council to write to Tony Juniper, the head of Natural England, to ask:
a) Why the SSSI designation process has been suspended b) When the SSSI designation will be reinstated c) Request that Natural England adopts a temporary approach to commenting on planning applications, which takes into account available local environmental evidence to protect the sites that would otherwise have been designated as SSSIs if the designation process worked as intended. d) Request that Natural England uses this approach until the backlog in the SSSI designation is cleared. Additional documents: |
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Motion F - The impact of the new restrictions imposed at the Household Waste and Recycling Centres in Oxfordshire on the residents of West Oxfordshire, proposed by Councillor Roger Faulkner, seconded by Councillor Sarah Veasey. For eleven consecutive years, under a variety of political leaderships, Oxfordshire County Council was the top performing County Council Waste Disposal Authority. In the County Council's own Satisfaction Ratings of Services Survey in 2025 it showed that 72% of residents were satisfied with the Household Waste and Recycling Centres, with only 16% being dissatisfied. This success reflects both the hard work of staff and the responsible behaviour of Oxfordshire residents. Despite this positive record, the County Council has introduced new rules for the recycling centres including a mandatory booking system and the requirement to provide proof of address on arrival. This Council notes that: 1. These rules place additional bureaucratic barriers for residents wishing to access the recycling centres. 2. Reduced access to recycling centres risks diverting waste into District Council collection services and to an increase in fly-tipping , both of which place additional practical and financial burdens on the District Council. 3. These changes risk undermining both Oxfordshire's high recycling rates in recent years and the public's satisfaction with waste and recycling services. 4. This Council therefore resolves to request that the Executive Member for the Environment writes to the Oxfordshire County Council Cabinet asking them to reconsider these restrictions, assess their impact on District waste and recycling services and work with all local authorities to ensure that waste and recycling centre policies continue to provide an accessible and effective service for the residents of Oxfordshire. Additional documents: |
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This council wishes to put policy into action. Our towns and roads have been kept waiting for implementation of decisions already made by Oxfordshire County Council, to the detriment of businesses and to residents’ town centre experience and their travel and movement options across the District. High Street To revive our main town, we call on the County Council to prioritise work on Witney High Street, in close contact with traders and the Town and District Council, and start immediately to avoid works at key trading times. This includes the installation of the ANPR enforcement of the traffic restriction, that was approved months ago. Footpaths We also ask the County Council to begin work immediately on footpath resurfacing in West and East Witney as “walk and talk” minor works rather than expensive projects, with the more detailed items like lighting sorted out later. Potholes In the same vein, we urge the County Council to spend the government pothole uplift straight away and devote some of the nearly £300 million capital hoarded from development, including in West Oxfordshire, on longer lasting resurfacing projects starting with the worst surfaces and busiest roads. Council resolves that:
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