Your Place, Your Plan Draft Objectives

"Tackling the Climate and Ecological Emergency
Gladman support the ambition to tackle the climate and ecological emergency and seeking to achieve
a 50% reduction in climate emissions by 2030 and net zero by 2050. Policy proposals and general
topics to deliver this aspiration are noted and we support the identification that the pattern of
development, ‘local living’ and active and healthy travel can support the Council’s aspirations and this
must be taken into consideration during the identification of spatial options and site selection
processes.
Aspirational policy topics in relation to net zero operational carbon are noble, however it is vital that
the Council provides a robust evidence base for any such policies demonstrating their effectiveness
and deliverability, ensure that they have been subject to viability testing and do not compromise the
delivery of any other district needs such as affordable housing.
An Enhanced Natural and Built Environment
In regard to biodiversity, Gladman support the Environment Bill and emerging requirements for a 10%
net gain and any additional policy requirements must be robustly justified and also ensure it does not
compromise the viability and deliverability of other aspirations within the plan. If the Council do
mandate off-site delivery within the district’s administrative area, then there must be sufficient land
identified to support this system and ensure deliverability and viability of development.
Meeting the Housing Needs of All
It is noted that the Council is currently preparing key evidence documents which will inform the Local
Plan 2041 including the assessment of the housing growth needs of the district and identification of a
suitable spatial strategy for accommodating this development. Gladman await further detail on this
evidence base and the implications for the Local Plan 2041 during future consultation periods.
Despite work being halted on the Oxfordshire Plan, there is a track-record of strategic planning for
development and infrastructure across the county region and the importance of ongoing cross
boundary cooperation and joint working as the separate LPAs prepare their new Local Plans cannot
be stressed enough.
Housing growth is vital to deliver the economic growth aspirations of each Oxfordshire authority and
to achieve this each authority must engage constructively to understand the housing and employment
needs of the area. In addition, the affordability issues both nationally and across Oxfordshire must be
recognised when assessing the housing needs of the district.
In this regard, Gladman highlight the joint work that has been undertaken by Cherwell District Council
and Oxford City Council to understand the housing and needs of the region. The document presents
a robust assessment of housing needs in Oxfordshire across a range of scenarios with preference
shown for the Cambridge Econometrics scenario which utilises an employment-based distribution.
As part of their housing need consultation in March 2023, Oxford City confirmed that it had a capacity
to accommodate 457 dwellings per annum, while Cherwell have committed to meet 33% of this unmet
need on the basis of the distribution across Oxfordshire LPAs from the previous round of plan-making
around 2014.
West Oxfordshire Local Plan 2041 Focused Consultation on Ideas and Objectives
This information provides a good basis for West Oxfordshire to undertake their housing and economic
needs assessments as part of the emerging plan. Gladman reiterate that the Council should undertake
constructive engagement with the neighbouring authorities to deliver alignment in the development
of housing needs assessment and ensure that all growth needs are met in the County. In addition, the
assessment of housing needs and potential contribution to Oxford City’s unmet needs may influence
the spatial strategy and site selection for housing development within the plan.
Gladman support the anticipated policy topics identified to address this objective within the emerging
plan and await further evidence base documents and policy detail before commenting further. The
section below sets out additional considerations on the future pattern of development in the district. "

2.32 We are supportive of the objective to West Oxfordshire’s economy becomes more
vibrant, resilient and diverse. As set out above, job growth within Oxfordshire is forecast
to be strong up to 2040 and it is critical that this is supported by an appropriate level of
housebuilding to ensure affordability issues are not exacerbated and more sustainable
travel patterns established.

2.18 The nation has been plagued by a pernicious housing shortage for a number of years.
This issue is well documented and reflected in the NPPF’s drive to boost significantly the
supply of housing. It is important to stress that significantly boosting the supply of new
housing does not mean that there need to compromise on the quality or sustainability of
new development.
2.19 As is set out in National Policy, the Standard Method is the starting point for calculating
Local Housing Need. However, there may be good reason to adopt an alternative
approach to determining the LHN, where evidence would support this. The latest
evidence on housing need is set out in the Housing and Economic Needs Assessment
7
(Dec 2022) prepared by Cambridge Economics in support of the emerging Oxford City
and Cherwell Local Plans.
2.20 This assessment has highlighted that the rapid growth of the workplace labour market
in recent years has created a population/jobs imbalance within Oxfordshire as a whole.
This was the same conclusion reached by the Oxfordshire Growth Needs Assessment
from 2021.
2.21 The conclusion is that the Standard Method will not deliver a sufficient number of
homes required to match the level of job creation expected to 2040. There are two key
implications of failing to deliver enough housing to match job growth:
• In commuting will increase, with the report suggesting that this will equate to an
increase of 23,000 people per day coming into the County for employment.
• An increase in demand without a corresponding level of supply will exacerbate
affordability issues within the County.
2.22 The report then goes on to identify two “justified” assessments of need: the 2021
Census Adjusted Standard Method and CE Baseline Trend. The former would identify
an Oxfordshire-wide need of 4,721 dwellings per annum, whilst the latter identifies a
need for 4,406 dwellings per annum.
2.23 It should still be noted that both of these scenarios will deliver a reduction in the
number of inward daily commuters but not eradicate them entirely.
2.24 An Economic Development Led Scenario was also considered within the report. This
sought to identify the potential change in housing need should the economy outperform
the growth rate currently predicted by the CE 2022 Baseline scenario. The potential for
the economy to outperform the CE 2022 Baseline scenario stems from the Local
Enterprise Partnership Investment Plan target to add £1.2bn to Oxford’s GVA by 2030.
This scenario would uplift the annual housing requirement to 5,830 dwellings based on
maintaining the in-commuting rate at 9,000 people.
2.25 However, this scenario was not considered to be “justified” on the basis that there are
uncertainties at a macro-economic level and around public funding availability which may
impact on the level of economic growth delivered and, consequently, the housing needed
to support it.
2.26 Regardless of which scenario is adopted, it is evident that the Standard Method would
not be an appropriate basis for determining the Local Housing Need figure for the
Oxfordshire authorities, including West Oxfordshire.
2.27 Of the scenarios presented, we would support the 2021 Census Adjusted scenario
(4,721 dwellings per annum) on the basis that this will achieve a better balance between
jobs and in-commuting. However, we would suggest that a higher requirement should
also be considered in the interests of reducing in-commuting levels and affordability
issues as far as possible.
2.28 Furthermore, whilst the Economic Development Led Scenario has been discounted on
the basis over uncertainties as to what level of economic growth could be delivered, the
housing requirement could still allow for some flexibility. For example, in the event thatsome, but not all investment projects are delivered. To this end, a housing requirement of
c. 5,000 dwellings per annum would be advisable.
2.29 The West Oxfordshire Local Plan will need to have regard to this evidence on housing
need when establishing its housing requirement if it is serious about meeting objectives
20, 21 and 22 identified in the emerging plan.
2.30 It is also important that West Oxfordshire (and all other Oxfordshire authorities) do not
look to suppress housing needs beyond 2031 on the basis that many will have overdelivered in the early plan periods relative to emerging housing requirements. The
adopted housing requirements for the Oxfordshire authorities were uplifted as part of the
Oxfordshire Growth Deal. The delivery of a higher housing requirement by 2031 was
predicated on the provision of over £200m of funding for infrastructure. It would be
perverse to secure the benefits of the additional infrastructure funding, without delivering
the housing it is intended to support by 2031.
2.31 The Local Plan Review will need to identify any shortfall in housing delivery up to 2031
and add it to the identified housing requirement beyond this period.

2.14 Persimmon Homes are committed to creating attractive developments in sustainable
locations which make meaningful contributions to the communities in which they are
delivered.
2.15 Whilst the spatial distribution strategy will need to support the sustainable development
at all its settlements, it is, nevertheless important that the bulk of new homes are delivered
in the most sustainable and accessible locations within the district. This will ensure that
new residents have access to services, employment opportunities and public transport
infrastructure without being reliant on the private motor vehicle.
2.16 We also understand the importance our customers place on living in high quality,
attractive developments. Therefore, we support aspirations to elevate design standards in
new development through the appropriate use of Design Guides for the district or specific
developments (typically those that are strategic in scale).
2.17 As set out above, any design standards need to be carefully considered to ensure that
they support other objectives of the Local Plan in terms of housing delivery and the
efficient use of land.

2.10 We support the broad aspiration to ensure that genuinely important landscapes and
nature assets are protected and, where possible, enhanced by development. We wholly
support the ambition to deliver a 10% biodiversity net gain for qualifying developments.
2.11However, we would highlight that achieving a 10% BNG is not always a straightforward
process for developments and the more onerous the requirement, the more challenging it
will be for developments to maximise the efficient use of land, especially where on-site
BNG needs to be achieved. We would encourage the new Local Plan to simply
acknowledge the 10% BNG requirement identified in the Environment Bill.
2.12 There should be an appropriate mechanism in place to deliver BNG off-site where an
on-site solution would not be possible or desirable.
2.13 We also recognise the importance of conserving important heritage assets and the built
environment. Any policies should reflect the relevant sections of the NPPF.

2.8 We support the provision of Healthy, Safe, Strong and Inclusive Communities and it is
critical that new development comes forward in locations with good access to services,
facilities and employment opportunities to encourage more active lifestyles and reduce
social isolation.
2.9 It is also important to consider access to opportunities for recreation and how good
quality POS can be secured through new developments. This would generally support the
distribution of housing to larger settlements where access to services, facilities, public
transport and employment opportunities is best, or strategic scales of development which
can deliver them.

2.1 Persimmon Homes fully recognise the severity of the Climate and Ecological emergencies
facing society and the need for all stakeholders to play their role in mitigating these
impacts as far as possible.
2.2 We therefore support Objective 1 aspiration for the Local Plan to include a range of
policies seeking to reduce the carbon emissions resulting from new development.
2.3 We welcome the opportunity to comment on detailed policies at a later date. However, at
this stage, the Local Authority needs to ensure that any new standards are proportionate
and will not affect the delivery of housing, employment and social infrastructure to meet
the needs of existing and future residents.
2.4 It is also important that where land is allocated, it is used in the most efficient manner to
reduce the pressure placed on other greenfield sites, as far as possible. To this end, we
also support Objective 4.
2.5 However, the Local Plan will need to be mindful of the impacts of introducing inflexible
standards or excessively onerous requirements on development to allow appropriate
densities to be achieved and land used as efficiently as possible.
2.6 Persimmon Homes are committed to delivering high quality, affordable and energy
efficient homes to our customers. We continue to invest in and utilise innovative
technologies to improve all three of these aspects embodied in our homes. Our Space 4
manufacturing sites produce timber frames, roof cassettes and highly insulated wall
panels to deliver a fabric first solution to enhance the energy efficiency of our homes.
2.7 Furthermore, we are acutely aware of the aspirations of local authorities across the
country to address the impacts of climate change and accelerate the transition to net
zero. Our first phase at Valley Park in Didcot (Vale of White Horse) is completely gas free
and utilises air source heat pumps, solar panels and EV charging points to deliver a zerocarbon ready scheme.

 Reduce the need to travel beyond Carterton
 Part of an accessible network of towns, connected through improved
public transport (including an EV shuttle service)
 Facilitate EV shuttle services within Carterton
 Active travel by walking or cycling within a 20 minute neighbourhood of
facilities for day to day living
 Able to strengthen bus connections to Oxford
 Opportunity for development to introduce renewable sources of energy
production (solar farms)
 To at least meet higher standards for reducing CO2 emissions through
Building Regulations
 Built to highest standards of sustainable design and construction
 Site is farmed agricultural land, with lower ecological and biodiversity
value
 Development will achieve at least a 10% net gain in biodiversity as an
important benefit
 Opportunity for integration of nature across through a connected
framework of biodiverse green spaces and habitat creation

 Able to improve the aspirations and outlook of Carterton’s young people,
through a wide range of employment opportunities within reach
 Able to support training and skills initiatives, to uplift the qualifications
and ambition of all sections of Carterton’s communities
 Will underpin the economic vitality and success of Carterton town
centre, with activity able to support a greater number and range of
businesses
 Large areas of green infrastructure and public open space to provide for
and encourage an active lifestyle
 Improved linkages to better connect parts of Carterton and enable social
connections for local communities

 Would protect the Green Belt
 Outside Cotswolds AONB
 Not significantly constrained by built or other designated heritage assets
 Unconstrained by areas at higher risk of flooding or higher order ecology
designations
 Opportunity for a significant net gain in biodiversity, given the poorer
ecological value of intensively farmed agricultural land
 Opportunity for integration of nature across through a connected
framework of biodiverse green spaces and habitat creation

 Improve sustainable bus, shuttle and elective vehicle connections across
Carterton and as part of accessible network of towns in West
Oxfordshire
 Facilitate improved walking routes around Carterton and enhanced cycle
connections to Witney
 Opportunity for innovative architecture, alongside green and blue
infrastructure, to create a distinctive/attractive sense of place

 To provide jobs and prosperity needed alongside the levels of housing
required

 To locate new employment where it can build upon RAF Brize Norton’s
international standing and reputation
 Opportunity for partnership working with RAF Brize Norton
 A coherent location to expand the network of science/business parks
from Oxford along major transport corridors
 In the region of (as shown at Appendix C):
o 6,000 permanent jobs (direct and indirect employment
o £1.4 billion of gross valued added economic benefit

 Adjacent employment areas (Hanborough Business Park) to the Site
 A workforce able to access Oxford city centre by railway in just 10
minutes, then other major towns and cities
 Bus service connectivity to employment at other towns across West
Oxfordshire

 A meaningful level of affordable housing and quality homes for the wider
community to be provided
 Opportunity for house size, type and tenure to best meet the needs for
different groups, including younger people, older people and people
with disabilities

 A well connected and vibrant location, part of an accessible network of
towns and cities
 Opportunity for innovative and sympathetic architecture to create /
reinforce a prized and distinctive character

 Would protect the Green Belt
 Outside Cotswolds AONB
 Unconstrained by built or other designated heritage assets
 Unconstrained by areas at higher risk of flooding or higher order ecology
designations
 Opportunity for a significant net gain in biodiversity, given the poorer
ecological value of intensively farmed agricultural land
 Opportunity for integration of nature across through a connected
framework of biodiverse green spaces and habitat creation

 Opportunities to travel by railway and bus services as alternatives to the
car
 Site is a highly connected, through sustainable modes of travel, to other
towns and cities providing services / facilities and employment
opportunities
 Within walking / cycling distance of day to day services / facilities in Long
Hanborough
 Site is farmed agricultural land, with lower ecological and biodiversity
value
 Development will achieve at least a 10% net gain in biodiversity as an
important benefit
 From 15 June 2022, Part L (Approved Document L Conservation of Fuel
and Power, 2021 edition) and Part F (Approved Document F Ventilation,
2021 edition) legislation came into force
 From these changes to Building Regulations, all new homes are required
to reduce energy demand by 75% - 80% from baseline Part L 2013
demand
 Such a reduction in demand would be through integration of technology
and initiatives including air source heat pumps, solar photovoltaics, solar
masterplanning and low energy appliances, in addition to fabric
improvements

 Opportunities to travel by railway and bus services as alternatives to the
car
 Site is a highly connected, through sustainable modes of travel, to other
towns and cities providing services / facilities and employment
opportunities
 Within walking / cycling distance of day to day services / facilities in Long
Hanborough
 Site is farmed agricultural land, with lower ecological and biodiversity
value
 Development will achieve at least a 10% net gain in biodiversity as an
important benefit
 From 15 June 2022, Part L (Approved Document L Conservation of Fuel
and Power, 2021 edition) and Part F (Approved Document F Ventilation,
2021 edition) legislation came into force
 From these changes to Building Regulations, all new homes are required
to reduce energy demand by 75% - 80% from baseline Part L 2013
demand
 Such a reduction in demand would be through integration of technology
and initiatives including air source heat pumps, solar photovoltaics, solar
masterplanning and low energy appliances, in addition to fabric
improvements

We look forward to further engagement with the Council as it develops its spatial
strategy and assesses the potential impacts arising from policy alternatives.
A vibrant resilient and diverse local economy
The historic environment has a close connection to economic activity. Many jobs and
enterprises are dependent on, attracted to or based in historic buildings and spaces.
Heritage Counts is a useful source of further evidence on some of these links:
link
We encourage the Council to consider the potential for heritage-led regeneration as
appropriate, which may provide opportunities also for addressing heritage at risk.
Related resources are available on the Historic England website:
link

We work to highlight and support the role of heritage in place-shaping. Our corporate
plan has three areas of focus, the first of which is ‘Thriving Places’. Heritage has the
potential to make a significant, powerful contribution to delivering vibrant and
sustainable places.
The focus on achieving well-designed places in national policy, supported by relevant
guidance (such as the National Design Guide and National Model Design Code)
acknowledges the contribution made by heritage to local distinctiveness. In turn this
can be used to build pride in an area and support economy development and
regeneration.
The power of community development of heritage can be demonstrated most
effectively where ties to residents, businesses and organisations are strengthened to
the extent that stakeholders play an active role in understanding, appreciating and
helping to look after heritage assets in their area.
For more details on the value of heritage to our economy, society and environment,
refer to Heritage Counts: link

As the government’s statutory adviser on the historic environment, we greatly
appreciate the important role of local planning authorities (LPAs) in conserving and
enhancing the historic environment. We see Local Plans as a key route for LPAs to
fulfil their heritage-related functions and look forward to working with West
Oxfordshire District Council once again as the Council develops a positive strategy
for the historic environment. As you will appreciate, this needs to consider not only
built heritage but also assets with archaeological interest, a potentially significant
proportion of which have yet to be discovered.
Historic and natural environment designations often overlap. Effective decisionmaking benefits from considering the natural and historic environment in an
integrated way; for example, taking into account archaeological considerations in
sites better known or indeed designated for their natural beauty.

An important element of Historic England’s work focuses on the relationship between
wellbeing and the historic environment. Our research has shown that interaction with
heritage or the historic environment can be a positive factor in supporting individual
and community wellbeing.
More information, including a link to our Wellbeing and Heritage Strategy is available
on our website: linkresearch/wellbeing Heritage and the built environment should be a source of knowledge and
understanding for everyone: linkare/heritage-belongs-to-everyone/. Our strategy for inclusion, diversity and equality
reflects the various related strands of work we’re undertaking within Historic England.

As the Council will be aware, development plans should take a proactive approach to
mitigating and adapting to climate change (NPPF paragraph 153) while at the same
time setting out a positive strategy for the conservation and enjoyment of the historic
environment in accordance with national policy (NPPF paragraph 190).
There is a heritage dimension to many policy issues in a local plan. Taking an
integrated approach to policy development - whereby climate change and heritage
considerations inform a range of policies throughout the development plan - provides
opportunities to deliver better outcomes, not just for the historic environment but also
wider sustainability.
We have a range of publications summarising our research and advice on climate
change, energy efficiency in historic buildings and carbon; please contact me if you’d
like to know more or wish to discuss.

 Meeting the housing needs of all
 Provide enough overall new homes to meet identified needs
 Deliver an increase in the number and range of affordable homes and ensure that all new
homes are affordable in the long-term
 Achieve a broad mix of different property types and sizes to meet different needs
 Help meet the needs of particular groups such as younger people, families with children, older
people, students, people with disabilities, service families, travellers, people who rent their
homes and self-builders
 Consider the relationship between new homes and jobs to support economic growth and
reduce out-commuting
 Keep the delivery of new homes under regular review to ensure we are not delivering too few
or too many at any one time

 The creation of attractive, accessible and thriving places should be an area of focus
 Explores different options to help identify the most appropriate and sustainable pattern of
future growth
 Strengthen approach towards sustainable design including the provision of specific design
guidance
 Explore the potential to roll out garden village principles more widely to larger development
proposals
 Support the preparation of neighbourhood plans and other community-led plans
 Revitalisation and viability of our town centres
 Retain and increase core services and facilities in the district’s villages and hamlets

 Achieving an enhanced natural and built environment
 Increased biodiversity including a requirement for exemplary biodiversity net gain (BNG)
 Adopt an integrated approach to the water environment to ensure that issues of water supply,
use, disposal, quality and flood risk are considered together
 Adopting a positive approach to the conservation and enjoyment of the historic environment
and seeks to minimise carbon emissions from older buildings
 Protect the highest quality agricultural land
 Reduce all forms of pollution and improve environmental quality
 Recognise the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside and pro-actively considers
opportunities to enhance the Cotswolds National Landscape and Oxford Green Belt

 Achieving healthy, safe and strong and inclusive communities
 Embed the principles of ‘healthy place shaping’ including through new development
 Supporting improved physical health by providing opportunities for leisure and recreation,
walking, cycling including access to open countryside
 Addressing mental health issues including rural isolation, loneliness and inequality
 Provision of opportunities to grow food locally and make healthier food choices
 Ensuring that development and local communities are supported by effective and timely
investment in supporting infrastructure
 Well-designed buildings and spaces with an appropriate mix of difference uses to create safe,
inclusive and welcoming environments

 Net-zero carbon transport system
 Reducing carbon emissions from existing buildings through retrofitting and require net zero
carbon with high standards of energy and sustainability in all new developments
 Promoting/enabling the roll-out of renewable and low carbon energy sources in suitable
locations
 Making the most efficient use of existing buildings/resources and create a ‘zero waste’ society
 Adapt to the effects of climate change that are already in motion or predicted to occur
 Help nature to recover/flourish in order to reverse the impacts of climate change/secure
nature’s benefits

to deliver on the vision for West Oxfordshire it
will be key to ensure the three objectives of economy, social and environmental are all achieved
and that the important interrelationships between them are understood and recognised. The
delivery of new homes has an important economic role both through direct and indirect
employment opportunities as well as housing the workforce required to achieve economic
growth. The delivery of the North Witney SDA will have an important role to play in meeting
these objectives.

it is recognised that the SDA has an important role in meeting
the identified housing needs in the area. Following the changes in the Consortium, all parties are
committed to working towards the early delivery of the site. The mix and tenure of housing on
the site will be the subject of further discussion through both the forthcoming outline planning
application and future reserved matters applications.

the accessibility of the North Witney SDA has been
recognised through the allocation of the site. The emerging strategic masterplan will seek to
enhance the accessibility of the site bringing benefits to the site itself and the wider community.
The design of the site will seek to ensure an attractive and thriving place is created which
responds positively to its relationship with surrounding areas including Witney and Hailey.

as recognised by the Council through its allocation,
the site is in a suitable location to accommodate built development. The Consortium will
continue working with the Council and stakeholders to ensure the proposals seek to enhance the
natural and built environment.

The Consortium are supportive of the concept
of healthy place shaping and consider the proposals would be well placed to meet these
aspirations.
The provision of both market and affordable housing will also have health benefits in meeting
identified needs.
The Consortium look forward to continuing working with the Council and other stakeholders to
bring forward the proposals for the site to help meet the identified needs for market and
affordable housing.

We support the significant emphasis placed by
the consultation on this topic. The proposed development would seek to assist in addressing the
climate and ecological emergency and will accord with the relevant policies at the time of
approval.
As recognised by the Council through the allocation of the site, it is in a sustainable location
where modes of travel other than the private car can be actively encouraged. The new homes
would be built to meet emerging sustainability and energy standards. It will be important to
ensure emerging policies have sufficient flexibility to allow these requirements to evolve over the
Plan period given the pace of change.
The development will also achieve a net gain in biodiversity.

Bourne Leisure welcomes the consultation’s recognition that historic, built and natural environments
are assets that contribute to economic success. This is a pragmatic approach that accounts for the need
to protect these assets but not at the cost of sustainable economic development.
In terms of biodiversity net gain (BNG), Bourne Leisure recognises the importance of enhancing
habitats. Currently in national policy there is no minimum requirement for net gain – the NPPF
encourages planning decisions to minimise impacts on and provide net gains for biodiversity (para.
174). Later in 2023 a minimum 10% BNG will become mandatory. It is important that new Local Plan
BNG policy is justified and effective so that the overarching objectives of the Local Plan can be achieved.
Policy should be flexibility as to how developers can achieve BNG, including onsite or offsite provision
of habitat or, where appropriate or necessary, a financial contribution.

The rural economy and tourism sector
The consultation asks, “how important is it to you that the Council supports the District’s rural
economy and tourism sector?” Bourne Leisure considers that it is very important. For many areas in
the country tourism is a key component of its economy. This is certainly the case for Oxfordshire County
and West Oxfordshire District.
The Oxfordshire Creativity, Cultural, Heritage and Tourism Investment Plan1
(‘CCHTIP’) notes that the
tourism sector accounts for 9.5% of employment in the county (32,000 jobs). At the local level, the West Oxfordshire Tourism Strategy (2009-2012) recognises that tourism is an important and growing
economic sector. Its key aim is to ensure that visitors stay for longer, allowing them to have memorable
experiences which in turn makes them more likely to spend more and return to West Oxfordshire.
This strategic support is vital to growing a successful visitor economic and securing all the benefits that
flow from this, increasing the level of visitor year-round expenditure which leads to new investment and
supports local jobs. The broad reach of the tourism sector is what makes it so economically unique and
important, particularly in rural areas where many businesses rely on it.
The support by the Council assisted by policy has enabled Bourne Leisure to deliver the first phases of
its plans for Heythrop Park Hotel. The property has significant potential - impressive listed buildings
and parkland setting on the ‘doorstep’ of the Oxfordshire Cotswolds. However, when Bourne Leisure
acquired the property in 2018 it needed significant investment to reinvigorate it as a Warner hotel.
At the outset, Bourne Leisure prepared a masterplan for phased, longer term development for the
holistic enhancement of the estate, in consultation with the Council. It has delivered the early phases,
with a comprehensive refurbishment of most of the existing hotel buildings, including the Grade II*
Main House (Phase 1 and 2a). The property opened as a Warner Leisure Hotel in September this year.
Works to build a new bedroom block extension are due to start shortly (Phase 2b). These works have
required significant investment and will bring a suite of economic benefits to the local area.
Beyond this, Bourne Leisure has plans for future phases, including further guest accommodation,
improvements to team accommodation and training facilities, and new guest entertainments facilities.
The tourism industry is very competitive. These plans are important because it will enable Bourne
Leisure to evolve the hotel offer, continue attracting guests and remain competitive.
Bourne Leisure requests that the Council continues to support tourism as one of the main contributors
to the rural economy and establishes a positive policy framework in the new Local Plan. This approach
is entirely consistent with the NPPF which promotes planning policies that (i) help create the conditions
in which businesses can invest, expand and adapt, (ii) places significant weight on the need to support
economic growth and productivity (Paragraph 81), and (iii) enables sustainable rural tourism that
respects the character of the countryside (Paragraph 84c).
Tackling climate change
Bourne Leisure recognises that it is important to identify ways to reduce carbon emissions from new
development. However, it is important that the emerging Local Plan does not prevent sustainable
development from coming forward due to feasibility or viability constraints. This is particularly true
when proposals come forward for altering or extending older buildings and listed buildings, which
already pose a larger number of constraints and costs to development.
Given the value of the historic environment and tourism to Oxfordshire’s economy, it is important to
ensure that emerging policies are viable. For companies that operate across England and the UK, as
Bourne Leisure does, there is a need for consistent standards and development requirements otherwise
costs could spiral. Taking an ad hoc approach in West Oxfordshire that might set requirements ahead of
national standards would have a negative impact on the investment decisions of the Company for
particular locations. It could mean that Bourholiday parks/hotels. Accordingly, we request that the new Local Plan follows national guidance and
establishes measures that are appropriate to different development types and locations.ne Leisure decides to redirect investment to its other

To determine the number of homes to be planned, West Oxfordshire Council will need to start from the
minimum local housing need arrived at using the Standard Method. As is set out in guidance for the Standard
Method; when considering its own needs, the Council will need to carefully assess economic growth both
expected, and aspired to, in Oxfordshire and what this means for the housing requirement, it will also need to
assess the specific needs for certain parts of the community, such as the elderly, disabled and those who do
not live in ‘bricks and mortar’ homes.
From this starting point the Council will then need to consider whether there are any unmet needs in
neighbouring areas that also need to be included in the housing requirement. The Council will need to continue
its support of Oxford City Council in meeting their housing needs given that the city council has published a
preferred option for its n next local plan stating it can deliver just over half of its assessed housing needs. This
is a significant shortfall that needs to be addressed.
Moreover, it is important that existing the commitment to deliver 2,750 homes between 2021 and 2031 in the
adopted local plan to support Oxford is taken forward into this local plan. It is also the case that if necessary
further support is provided across the plan period given Oxford’s continuing struggles to meet its own needs.
The Council will therefore need to work proactively and positively not only with Oxford, but also with the other
Oxfordshire LPA to establish the degree to which Councils across the county can help on this key strategic
matter for the county.
At present, the most robust assessment of housing needs across the market area is the Oxfordshire Growth
Needs Assessment (OGNA). However, it appears from officer reports to Oxford City Council – although not formally announced – that work on the OGNA has been abandoned along with the Oxfordshire Plan 2050.
This is a significantly retrograde step.
If the OGNA has been abandoned it signals considerable challenges for the Duty to Cooperate, however,
some of its contents and methodology can be rescued and used in each constituent local authority’s plan
evidence base.

The Trustees support the need for attractive, accessible, connected and thriving places. This will include both
locating and promoting sustainably designed development that can reduce the need to travel, whilst also
investing in town centres, and their renewal where necessary. Locating growth at Witney will continue to build
on the existing vibrancy of the place, and a strategy which includes urban extensions, such as that which will,
and can be, delivered on the Trustees land must be a logical part of the Local Plan 2041 strategy.

The Trustees understand the importance of conserving and enhancing environmental quality, but this, as with
other themes considered herein, must be appropriately balanced with social and economic needs to ensure a
sustainable, and sound, Local Plan is delivered.
The Environment Act 2021 sets a clear direction of travel for developers to leave biodiversity relating to
development in a better state than before and ensure at least a 10% net gain. The Trustees therefore expect
this to be a requirement in planning policy and have begun to work towards this in its projects. It is also
acknowledged that many local authorities across the country (and the now abandoned Oxfordshire Plan 2050)
are considering pursuing 20% net gains. Any requirement to demonstrate a net gain in excess of 10% should
be subject to a viability assessment (including in relation to possible site allocations) and should not be
considered a requirement to make the development acceptable in planning terms (i.e., any provision in excess
of the 10% figure should be considered an additional benefit of a proposed scheme).

The Trustees are keenly aware of, and support, the principle of healthy place shaping, which is compliant with
policies in Chapter 8 of the Framework. This can be considered as part of overall place making and design.
Oxfordshire has been successful in recent years at combining growth and strategic infrastructure planning, as
evidenced by Garden Town funding and numerous Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF) awards. Accordingly,
the Trustees consider that it is vital that infrastructure and its delivery in a timely fashion is an integral part of
the Local Plan 2041. This is challenging given the current stance on the Growth Deal.
The Local Plan 2041 should clearly reflect the aims and aspirations of the Oxfordshire Local Industrial Strategy
(LIS), and in particular clearly reflect and align with the industry sectors identified in the LIS and its four ‘pillars’.
The Trustees are aware of the Oxford Infrastructure Strategy (OIS), and this work should not be abandoned,
even if the Oxfordshire Plan 2050 has been cancelled. The Trustees expect infrastructure priorities to be
factored into the Local Plan 2041, and infrastructure provision must be based on the amount, and subsequent
location, of housing and employment growth.

The Trustees support the overarching sentiment of this topic and agree that the Council should seek to
strategically coordinate both investment and requirements of development to contribute to a net zero carbon
transport network.
Any policy which follows the aspiration to maximise the use of renewable energy in new developments will be
required to demonstrate that its chosen strategy is deliverable and strikes the appropriate balance of social,
economic and environment factors in the aim of achieving sustainable development.
Turning to the principle of nature recovery, the Trustees recognise the importance of Green and Blue
Infrastructure networks. However, any strategy must distinguish between the hierarchy of international,
national, and designated sites - as required by paragraph 175 of the Framework. This is required to ensure
plan soundness, and an efficient adoption of the eventual Local Plan 2041.

One of the questions the Council has asked in this section is how important it is to explore different options to help identify the most appropriate and sustainable pattern of development. ASL believe it is very important to explore a variety of spatial options to ensure the Council adopt the most sensible and sustainable approach. West Oxfordshire should as a minimum seek to meet its housing requirement in full as well as potentially accommodating its share of Oxford’s unmet needs.
In accordance with paragraph 141 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), Council’s should be able to demonstrate that it has examined fully all other reasonable options for meeting its identified need for development. Therefore, ASL are of the opinion that sites within the AONB should be considered before the release of any Green Belt. AONBs are rightfully highly protected; however, this shouldn’t mean that no development can take place within the AONB. Sites within the AONB should be assessed on an individual basis as to whether they are an appropriate scale and character for that settlement.
Another question in this section relates to retaining services and facilities in villages and hamlets. New development can significantly benefit settlements economically and boost local spend meaning that services and facilities are more likely to survive and may even be improved.

One of the questions the Council has asked is regarding how important it is that the Council are meeting their identified needs. It is clearly very important that the Council are meeting their identified housing needs as a minimum. To not do so would be to fail the legitimate needs of residents. The Council have conceded that they cannot currently demonstrate a 5 year supply of deliverable housing. This is partly due to large Sustainable Urban Extensions taking longer than anticipated to deliver housing. This situation needs to be addressed and it is important that the Council look to allocate smaller allocations that can start to deliver housing in the short term to help meet this shortfall.
Any shortfall should be picked up in the review of this Local Plan; also given the historical underdelivery within the authority we believe it would be beneficial for the Council to allocate above their assessed housing need to allow some flexibility. This would give the Council a better chance of maintaining a five year housing land supply and therefore, prevent speculative planning applications coming forward outside of the Local Plan process.
ASL also support the view that the Council should be a candidate to accommodate some of Oxford City’s unmet needs. Oxford has a tightly wrapped authority boundary and is constrained by Green Belt. Oxford City relied upon neighbouring authorities to take some of their unmet need in the last plan cycle and it is likely they will need help delivering their full needs again through their next review. Oxford are also at the early stages of their Local Plan process and therefore, there is an opportunity for West Oxfordshire to work alongside Oxford City to meet any identified shortfall. It is important that the Council carry out their Duty to Cooperate fully to ensure the plan is found sound at examination.
Another question is in relation to the Council seeking to deliver an increase in the number of affordable homes. Affordability is a huge issue within West Oxfordshire with average house prices being 11.24 times residence-based earnings in 2021. ASL have calculated that over the 8 years since the beginning of the plan period, West Oxfordshire have a shortfall of 709 affordable houses. ASL consider this to be a significant shortfall and one that the Council need to address. Making appropriate allocations for viable and deliverable housing developments is the only way to meet this shortfall.
The final question in this section relates to the importance of reviewing the number of homes being delivered to ensure the Council are neither oversupplying nor undersupplying. ASL consider this to be very important and this should be undertaken at least annually through the Annual Monitoring Report or a five year housing land supply statement. It is important that the Council realistically assess their trajectory thoroughly to ensure that they have enough sites coming forward to maintain a five year housing land supply. The experience of the current Local Plan is that this was not done with the necessary realism or prudence and as such the Council find themselves in a five year deficit and vulnerable to speculative applications. If the Council are falling behind in terms of delivery then they should seek to review their Local Plan to allocate additional sites. A review of the Local Plan should be carried out at every five years anyway in accordance with paragraph 33 of the NPPF.

There is no doubt that West Oxfordshire is a dynamic and successful economy,
globally renowned for its excellence and scale of innovation, enterprise and research.
The workforce is highly skilled and there are high rates of employment and economic
activity.
We agree the Local Plan 2041 policies should focus on ensuring the local local
economy remains vibrant, resilient and diverse. To do so, the Local Plan must assess
current employment sites and determine the quality of such sites to meet future
economic needs. Policies must identify new employment land that could meet the
needs of changing trends in the future. Policies could encourage a greater dispersal
of smaller employment sites across the rural areas to encourage investment into such
areas and tap into existing skilled workforces in additional to the larger sites in and
around the larger centres.
Workspace hubs within residential developments could also be encouraged in certain
locations.
Developing a clear economic vision and strategy for West Oxfordshire
We agree that there is a need to develop a clear vision and strategy that builds on the
district’s key strengths and local business needs as well as wider opportunities for
development.
We welcome the Council’s approach to be more flexible in accommodating future
needs. This must be reflected through emerging policies.
Providing an appropriate amount and type of space for existing and new
business
We agree that there is a need to identify specific sites to meet identified needs and
support local and inward investment.
We welcome the Councils acknowledgement of making sure the Local Plan allocates
enough business land to meet current and future needs. However, there must be an
assessment of existing sites in employment use and whether such sites are indeed fit
for purpose and/or can meet future needs at all. If not, such sites should then be
released for alternative uses. Policy must not be rigid, as to do so, will ultimately stifle
growth and limit opportunities for inward investment.
Policies should not ignore the benefits of rural areas in terms of employment land
provision. The rural areas are often found to have residents of high-level skills which
can become a key catalyst for inward investment. We would advocate a spread of
smaller employment allocations should be consider for rural areas to include potential
for mixed use allocations in the larger rural settlements.
We understand the need to protect existing economic assets. The development of a
clear economic vision and strategy provides the opportunity to address potential
barriers to investment and determine how the Council can be more flexible in
accommodating future needs. A blanket policy protection on all employment sites may
be stifling inward investments for various reasons such as whether those sites are
actually fit for purpose, required extensive investment in the first instance to make
them suitable, energy efficient etc. the changing needs and trends of economic assets
mean that policies must be responsive to those changes and as such flexibility is an
absolute must if the District is to achieve its economic objectives and drive forward
change.
Recognising new patterns of working
We agree that the Local Plan 2041 needs to recognise that the way people work has
somewhat changed and is likely to continue to change in the future. Therefore
economic and housing policies must be based on flexibility.
We would welcome policies that encourage improved digital connectivity, the provision
of flexible working space within new homes and the creation of shared or co-working
spaces in convenient and accessible locations.
Improving workforce skills
We welcome the Councils approach to improving workforce skills. The pertinent issue
is that there are shortages of degree level (Level 4+) candidates for occupations within
the highly skilled based economy the District.
We would advocate that policies encourage apprenticeships and create training and
employment opportunities for local people not just as part of ‘larger’ developments but
where smaller developments propose such opportunities then policies must look
favourably at such proposals. The upshot is that more local people see the benefits of
new development across regardless of scale.
Supporting the District’s rural and tourism economics
We welcome the Councils acknowledgement of national policy emphasis on the
importance of supporting a prosperous rural economy. We trust Local Plan 2041
policies will reflect those national policy objectives and set the framework for growth
and expansion of all types of business in rural areas.
We welcome the Councils approach in respect of the tourism sector.

We agree that the key role of the Local Plan 2041 is to ensure that enough high quality
homes come forward in the right places and at the right times to meet a broad
spectrum of needs, incomes and circumstances.
Providing enough homes to meet identified needs
We welcome the Councils endorsement of Government objectives to significantly
boost the supply of new homes’ whereby local authorities should identify enough land
for the short, medium and where possible long term.
We note the references to the current Local Plan 2031 housing requirement and the
fact that this included some of Oxford City’s unmet housing needs. At the Local Plan
2031 examination, the Council concluded that the appropriate objectively assessed
requirement for the district was 660 dpa – this being the mid-point of the range
indicated in the 2014 SHMA. The examining Inspector considered at the time that this
was indeed a soundly-based conclusion on the basis that a lower provision would
potentially result in a substantial shortfall in the provision of affordable homes to meet
the identified need.
We support the Local Plan 2041 in setting out an appropriate housing requirement to
plan for. In addition of taking account of any potential under supply, the Local Plan
2041 housing requirement must also take account of job creation and economic
growth objectives and ensure that enough homes are planned for to meet those needs.
The Planning Practice Guidance makes clear that employment forecasts are a key
consideration in determining future housing needs. We expect this will be relayed
through the new Local Plan 2041. It is of note that the previous uplift to reflect
economic growth in West Oxfordshire was around 22% - a figure that is significantly
less than the economic growth uplifts found sound through examination of the
Cherwell and Vale of White Horse Local Plans.
As it stands, the current basis of calculating the housing requirement is through the
Standard Methodology formula. It generates a minimum housing need figure and is
not a housing requirement. It factors an element of affordability but does not reflect
any economic growth objectives. Given that affordability in West Oxfordshire is
worsening with a rise of 4% between 2020 and 2021, we expect to see emerging Local
Plan 2041 policies address issues of affordability and plan to boost the supply of
homes to meet local needs.
Ensuring that new homes are affordable in the short term and long term
Affordability is a core issue within West Oxfordshire. Recent data from the Office of
National Statistics (ONS) highlight that the affordability ratio increased by 4% from
2020 to 2021. This is a worsening position and a trend which is set to continue for some time. Sufficient supply of suitable homes is therefore key to ensuring affordable
homes are delivered particularly for first time buyers and single income families.
We welcome the Councils acknowledgement that the Local Plan 2041 will have a key
role in enabling the delivery of more affordable homes in West Oxfordshire and
recognising that more can be done to deliver above the 335 new affordable homes
completed in 2020/21.
We would advocate that affordable homes are delivered through the plan-led process
on identified allocated sites in the Local Plan 2041 in addition to a supportive policy
framework which facilitates rural exception sites.
The Local Plan 2041 should also set a positive policy framework to facilitate ‘First
Homes’ through the combination of identified sites and a policy which facilitate homes
on exemption sites as advocated in Para xx on the NPPF.
A broad mix of property types and sizes
We support the approach to enable and facilitate a broad mix of different property
types and sizes and provide for a variety of needs.
Meeting the Needs of Different Groups
We agree that the Council should prepare an appropriate evidence base which looks
at identifying specific needs and plan for them accordingly. We advocate that
alongside a criteria-based approach, the Local Plan 2041 should go further and
identify specific sites to those meets such as homes for older people, self-build, first
homes and build to rent.
The relationship between new homes and jobs
We agree that there is a strong link between the provision of new homes and economic
prosperity. Indeed, we concur with the Councils view that employers often cite the lack
of suitable, affordable homes as a disincentive to economic investment and expansion.
We would welcome a positive policy framework which allows for new housing to come
forward in areas where targeted investment in jobs and business expansion are
identified.
Keeping the delivery of new homes under regular review to ensure we are not
delivering too few or too many at one time
We welcome the Councils approach to look at timescale of delivering new homes
which are indeed required to meet an identified need. A mix of sites are required in the
first instance which can then be appropriately delivered through robust monitoring and delivery framework. We would encourage the preparation of a detailed housing
trajectory broken down by specific sites and would advocate that the Council engage
with developers and land promoters in that process. Suitable developer forums should
be set up and open discussions regarding realistic delivery timescales and any
concerns with proposed sites can be openly discussed.
We would support a Local Plan that identifies sufficient land to meet housing needs
comprising a mix of different site sizes, including smaller and medium sites in addition
to the larger sites. Smaller sites tend to be more attractive in terms of people’s
preferences and will come forward more quickly. In addition, smaller sites tend to
delivery greater variety in design and reflect local vernacular. Too often Local Plan
policies lock out SME housebuilders in preference for large volume housebuilders.
Provision must be for smaller regional and local housebuilders in future policies.
Policies in the Local Plan 2041 must therefore be centred on setting out positive
policies for small scale housing developments of around 40/50 dwellings. We feel
these are optimum numbers for both larger settlements and within rural locations,
given the fact that the scale will in part allow for infrastructure benefits to be delivered,
generate new populations to sustain local services and facilities and potentially drive
demand for new or improved services / facilities through incremental increases in local
population. Moreover, this scale of development / allocation will generate a greater
volume of affordable homes over and above what could be generated in smaller
windfall sites which often fall below the threshold of triggering contributions and
affordable provision, yet the cumulative impact of very small sites has arguably a
greater impact on existing communities than planned provision. In particular, rural
areas are at risk of becoming fossilised in the next 20 years. The demographic profile
is ageing, and local primary schools are at serious risk of closure. Policies must
therefore be positive to reverse decline in rural areas whilst also balancing the
sensitivities with impacts.

We agree that the Local Plan 2041 policies will need to define a sustainable pattern of
development that is reflective of the needs and characteristics of West Oxfordshire,
particularly balancing the rural nature of the district with provision of new homes and
employment.
We agree that policies should aim to secure high quality sustainable design particularly
in areas which are deemed to be more sensitive to new developments.
We would support the application of garden village principles on all suitable sites
across the district and not just on large scale developments.
The Local Plan 2041 should set out clear policies for the implantation of
Neighbourhood Plan and set indicative housing numbers to areas to act as a guide for
plan preparation and reduce uncertainty regarding future development needs.
A sustainable pattern of development for West Oxfordshire
We support the principles of promoting sustainable patterns of development that take
account of future development needs and infrastructure provision. We would advocate
that the Local Plan adopt alternative options whereby policies are focussed on larger
urban centres but recognise that the benefits are often for a fewer people. Greater
dispersal may deliver more benefits to more people. We advocate focusing
development along transport corridors.
High quality and sustainable design
We support the Councils approach to deliver beautiful, high quality and good design.
We support the approach to reflect the principles set out in recent Government
publications in terms of design expectations such as the National Design Guide in
October 2019 and the National Design Model Design Guide in July 2021.
Rolling out Garden Village principles more widely
We support the rolling out of Garden Village principles more widely.
Neighbourhood and community planning
We support the provision of Neighbourhood Plans. We advocate that Local Plan
policies should set out a clear and positive framework to guide the preparation of these
plans and clear objectives and requirements are set out to guide the future
development of new plans across the district including setting baseline housing
requirement figures.
The future role of our town centres
We agree that market towns are hugely important focal points both as service centres
for the local population as well as being destinations that support the visitor economy.
Local Plan 2041 polices should encourage additional residential development in and
around town centres in line with town centre strategies.
Providing and retaining core services and facilities in smaller settlements
We concur that West Oxfordshire is a predominantly rural area with a number of
smaller communities spread out across the district. As such the retention of such
services and facilities is a core issue and we would expect Local Plan 2041 policies to
set a framework that supports incremental growth in order to sustain existing service
levels at the very least.
For too long such areas have lacked investment for various reasons but in part due to
overly restrictive policies. There is a trend towards loss / closure of local services and
the closure of primary schools in rural areas in part due to lack of new homes and an
ageing demographic. Local Plan 2041 policies should aim to reverse the decline and
provide an appropriate scale of residential development in and around villages.

We agree with the need to adopt an integrated approach.
Conserving and enhancing the historic environment
We support the need to conserve or enhance areas, building and features of historic,
architectural and environmental significance, including both designated and nondesignated heritage assets and habitats of biodiversity value. The Local Plan 2041
policies should adapt a pro-active approach and reflect prevailing national policies.
Reducing pollution and improving the quality of our environment
Local Plan 2041 policies on water quality will need to reflect national guidance and not
be overly prescriptive.
We understand the importance of good air quality and how reducing the need to travel
and achieving a modal shift towards walking and cycling will lead to a reduction in
emissions and an improvement in air quality. The rapid move towards electric vehicles
must be recognised in the Local Plan 2041 policies in terms of balancing travel by car
and reduction in emissions.
Recognising the intrinsic character and beauty of our countryside
We support protection for river valleys and wet meadows, historic parkland, ancient
forest remnants and undulating wolds landscape

Policies in the Local Plan 2041 will need to be consistent with national policy unless
there is evidence which justifies a different approach. To frame a positively worded
policy which increases biodiversity net gain, we would advocate that flexibility is
required and, as such, increases beyond 10% net gain, must be relative to size,
location and type of development.
Increasing Biodiversity
Increasing biodiversity net gain should be encouraged as well as opportunities for offsite delivery. In some instances, it may be more beneficial for sites to contribute to offsite biodiversity and habitat creation at existing open space locations or to adopt a
hybrid approach. The Local Plan 2041 policies could consider making specific
allocations in the Local Plan for new areas of biodiversity creation and seek
contributions from developments which are considered too small to deliver biodiversity
net gain (i.e. sites less than 10 and other constrained housing sites such as those on
brownfield land). This approach would support the Council’s green recovery
objectives. The approach should also be consistent with national policy and legislation.
The Environment Act will require a 30 year maintenance plan.

We support the principles of achieving healthy and inclusive places which promote
contact with other people, are safe and accessible and enable and support active
lifestyles can deliver improvements to health and wellbeing and reduce inequalities.
The Local Plan 2041 must recognise that is more often in rural locations where limited
access to public open spaces and therefore policies should focus on enhancing
improvements to health and wellbeing in these communities alongside the larger urban
centres.
Embedding ‘Healthy Place Shaping’ Principles
We welcome policies that encourage improvements to health and well-being. We
support the use of Health Impact Assessments (HIA) and believe this approach can
support healthy place shaping principles. The Council should look favourably at new
developments that are supported by HIAs across all sites, regardless of scale.
Supporting Physical Health
We support the view that leisure time, sport, recreation and play are vital to good health
and well-being and indeed more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to
play and get exercise should be prioritised through policies in the Local Plan 2041. We
fully support the principles of ‘walkable’ communities. Policies should be supportive of
new developments that deliver beneficial improvements to not only new residents of
development but to the wider existing communities, whether that be through new
physical or social infrastructure provision.
Tackling mental health issues including rural isolation, loneliness and inequality
We support policies that promote accessible, including places where buildings and
spaces are designed to promote good mental health and well-being. Again, policies
should be supportive of new development that tackles mental health issues through
design and layout of proposals.
Providing people with the opportunity to grow food locally and make healthier
food choices.
We advocate for a suitable policy framework that supports the delivery of more
allotments, community gardens, community orchards and the planting of more fruit
and nut trees as part of new development proposals.
Ensuring that communities and new development are supported by timely
investment in infrastructure (health, schools, green space, utilities etc.)
We accept development can put pressures on existing local services and facilities in
some areas. In areas where pressures arise, the Local Plan 2041 must provide a
positive policy framework which supports proposals that aim to improve local services
and facilities. We welcome the Councils approach in identifying the necessary
infrastructure which is needed to support planned growth to 2041.
We would advocate that the Council not only works with local communities in
identifying community priorities and needs but also works with developer groups to
ensure infrastructure needs are understood and timescales agreed.
Ensuring that people are safe and feel safe through the design and layout of
buildings and spaces and encouraging an appropriate mix of different uses
We support the need to create well designed and safe places. We support the Councils
approach.