Issue - decisions
Local Plan 2041 Update (including Local Development Scheme (LDS))
16/02/2024 - West Oxfordshire Local Plan 2041 Update
Councillor Charlie Maynard, Executive Member for Planning and Sustainable Development, introduced the report, which provided an update on the progress of the new West Oxfordshire Local Plan (2041), including a revised timetable for taking the Local Plan through to formal adoption.
The Executive Member added that the consultation had received over 2000 responses, and the Executive thanked Members of the Public for their engagement.
Andrew Thomson, Lead Planning Policy Officer, was invited by the Executive Member to give an overview of the responses that had been received by the Council in relation to the Local Plan update project. Andrew Thomson made further reference to potential ecological, climate, environmental and sustainable development implications that had been raised in a recent public consultation.
In debate, Members made reference to Strategic Development Areas (SDAs) within the Chipping Norton area, highlighting that it was imperative to see it be considered as part of the Local Plan process, in conjunction with Historic England. The Executive referred to proposed SDAs within Chipping Norton, stating that identified sites were nominated by developers. The Executive also committed to working in partnership with Oxfordshire County Council, with the interests of residents at the centre of future discussions.
The Executive highlighted that businesses and employers located in the district would also play a vital part in discussions, to prevent West Oxfordshire becoming a ‘dormitory’ district, feeding employment in the Greater Oxford and London areas.
By invitation of the Leader, a non-Executive Member in attendance referred to the importance of engaging with Royal Air Force Station Brize Norton, located within the district, as a major employer and employment site. It was envisaged that the military’s input into the Local Plan consultations would be of vital importance throughout the new Local Plan process.
Councillor Charlie Maynard proposed that the Executive agree to the recommendations as listed on the report. This was seconded by Councillor Alaric Smith, was put to a vote, and was unanimously agreed by the Executive.
The Executive Resolved to:
- Note the content of the consultation summary report attached at Annex A, in particular the key themes arising which will be reflected in the next stage of Local Plan consultation;
- Agree to approve the updated Local Development Scheme (LDS) attached at Annex B.