Local Plan Review 2042: Chapter 3 - Theme 3

Cherwell Local Plan Review 2042
Chapter 3 - Theme 3: Building Healthy and Sustainable Communities 

Policy COM 1: District Wide Housing Distribution

Housing Need

3.200 There is a national ‘standard method’ for calculating housing need. This tells us that the need for Cherwell is presently for some 706 homes per annum. For the 18 years from 2024 to 2042 this would mean providing an additional 12,708 homes to meet that level of need. Our plan period runs from 2020 to 2042. The standard method for 2020-2024 produced a total need of 2,921 homes for those four years. We have also previously committed to providing 4,400 homes to assist Oxford with its unmet housing need. Oxford has capacity to accommodate 493 homes per annum to 2040. Our commitment to 4,400 homes would ensure we are assisting Oxford with its unmet need for the whole of our Plan period.  

Table 2: Housing Need with Oxford Unmet Need Commitment 2020 to 2042

Calculation of Need	Total
Previous Standard Method 2020 to 2024 (756+713+742+710)	2,921
Current Standard Method (706dpa x18 years)	12,708
Cherwell Need	15,629
Oxford Unmet Need Carried Forward	4,400
Total Need (15,629 + 4,400)	20,029
Annual Need (20,029/22) years	*910

*Rounded-up to 911

This means we have a total housing need to plan for 20,029 homes.

Existing Housing Supply

3.201 We already have a good pipeline of housing supply. Cherwell provided 4,477 new homes from 2020-2024, has land supply for another 12,525 homes and has planned sites for the 4,400 homes to help Oxford. A total of 21,402 homes. This is set out in Appendix 2. We are in a position where we could meet identified needs from the supply identified.

Ensuring Sufficient Deliverable Housing Supply for the First Five Years

3.202 We also need to ensure we have deliverable sites for the first five years after the Plan is adopted. At that point, such sites must be shown to be available, suitable and achievable with a realistic prospect that housing will be delivered on the site within five years.

3.203 This is difficult to predict with certainty and the housing we expect to be delivered can be affected by market conditions and the circumstances of individual developers. Some contingency is sensible. Not being able to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply can make it easier for developers to obtain planning permission for unplanned development.

3.204 We consider that some additional supply is needed to ensure we have a steady supply of homes including for social/affordable housing.

Government Policy

3.205 We must also be mindful of Government policy: Planning is principally a local activity, and it is right that decisions about what to build and where should reflect local views. But we are also clear that these decisions should be about how to deliver the housing an area needs, not whether to do so at all, and these needs cannot be met without identifying enough land through local plans - Statement by Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, 30 July 2024.

3.206 The Government is reviewing the standard method for assessing housing need. This suggests that Cherwell’s need could rise to 1,095 homes per annum (24,090 homes over the period 2020-2042) (NPPF Consultation July 2024).

3.207 Recognising the need to transition from one policy context to another, the Government has advised that our planned housing requirement needs to be within 200 homes per annum of that level of need to proceed with this Local Plan.

Housing Requirement and Additional Supply

3.208 Our objectives are to meet current housing need, including through the provision of social/affordable housing. We wish to ensure that development is accommodated sustainably and supports good place making including through the provision of supporting infrastructure.

3.209 Our housing requirement that must be met is therefore 20,042 homes from 2020 to 2042, an average of 911 homes per annum.

Table 3: Housing Requirement

Plan Period	2020 to 2042
Plan Requirement	20,042

3.210 We are also planning for additional homes to ensure delivery, provide contingency, meet our plan objectives and accord with Government policy.

Policy COM 1: District Wide Housing Distribution

This local plan requires 20,042 homes to be delivered to meet housing need between 2020 and 2042.

This requirement will be used to inform our assessments of the district's five year housing land supply.

Additional housing is provided to help deliver further social/affordable housing, support place making and provide contingency.

Our overall housing supply will be as follows:

Housing Supply	Numbers
*Existing Supply	21,402
Additional Supply
Windfalls (2027-2042) 100pa	1,400
East of Bloxham Road, Banbury (Phase 2)	600
Southeast of Woodstock	450
Calthorpe Street, Banbury	170
Rural Allocation	565
Total	3,185
Total Supply	24,587

The Plan makes provision for an additional 1,500 homes by extending an existing site at North-West Bicester. Of a total of 7,500 homes, 3,200 are expected to be delivered within the Plan period and a further 4,300 homes beyond 2042.

Cherwell will provide 24,587 homes from 2020 to 2042 as follows:

Site	Completions 20/24	Totals
Banbury	1,632	6,477
Bicester	1,476	7,749
Heyford Park	553	1,601
Kidlington/Woodstock	172	622
Rural Areas	644	2,338
Partial Review Sites	0	4,400
Windfall Projection	0	1,400
Totals	4,477	24,587

Policy COM 2: Affordable Housing

3.211 Providing truly affordable housing is one of our highest priorities. Affordable housing is defined in the NPPF as comprising housing for sale or rent, for those whose needs are not met by the market, including housing that provides a subsidised route to home ownership and/or is for essential local workers.

3.212 Our Housing Strategy (2025-2030) has identified three strategic priorities, which includes prioritising the delivery of homes that people can afford and that are suitable for the needs of the community. It highlights that home ownership is out of reach for households on low and average incomes, with social rent being the only truly affordable housing option for many local residents.

3.213 There are a number of ways that affordable homes can be delivered. We have analysed the need for affordable housing in terms of social/affordable rented housing and affordable home ownership and have identified a significant need for affordable housing in Cherwell. We therefore have to provide as many affordable homes as possible to meet this need. The Council’s Viability Assessment tested a range of requirements for affordable housing from 0 to 50%. It informs an overall 30% affordable housing requirement in Banbury and Bicester, and 35% on all sites that meet Cherwell's housing needs.

3.214 All future developments that include 10 or more dwellings, or which would be provided on sites suitable for 10 or more dwellings, will therefore be expected to provide affordable homes on site in accordance with this requirement.

3.215 The Council’s Housing Strategy explains how housing for social rent is the only truly affordable housing option for many people in Cherwell. We have tested a number of different tenure splits concluding in a requirement for 70% of all affordable homes coming forward to be social/affordable rented. However, we will expect demonstrable consideration to have been given to whether or not social rented housing can be viably provided across the site before we consider affordable rented accommodation. The minimum expectation is that 35% of all affordable rented accommodation will be social rented housing.

3.216 Housing proposals (for residential use type C3) will need to provide affordable housing where they meet the relevant policy thresholds. Where the number of dwellings proposed falls below the relevant threshold, or the number of dwellings is not specified, the Council will consider whether sites reasonably have capacity to provide the number of dwellings that would trigger the requirement to provide affordable housing. The purpose of this is to ensure that the policy requirement is not being avoided through inappropriate planning such as ineffective or inefficient use of land or a mix of dwellings that does not reflect other housing policies or local needs.

3.217 We will require all affordable housing to be met on site unless off-site provision or an appropriate financial contribution in lieu can be robustly justified and the agreed approach contributes to the objective of creating mixed and balanced communities.

3.218 We will support proposals for community self-build or custom-build affordable housing particularly where it will result in suitable empty properties being brought into residential use.

3.219 There are requirements set out in the saved Partial Review policies (PR2, PR6 to PR9) which provide for Oxford's unmet housing need, for affordable housing, mix, house type and size. There is a separate mechanism (part of the Councils Housing Strategy) in place for ensuring that any affordable homes will be provided as part of the Cherwell contribution to unmet need for Oxford. At least 50 % of any additional unmet housing for Oxford being provided within this plan will be affordable homes.

Policy COM 2 Affordable Housing

All proposed residential developments to meet Cherwell's needs that include 10 or more dwellings (gross), or which would be provided on sites suitable for 10 or more dwellings (gross), will be expected to provide at least the following percentage of new housing as affordable homes on site. Housing to meet Oxford's unmet housing needs will be considered against the saved policies in the Local Plan Partial Review (2020).

• Banbury - 30%
• Bicester - 30%
• Kidlington - 35%
• Elsewhere - 35%

In determining whether developments qualify to provide affordable housing, consideration will be given to Policy CSD 25.

All qualifying developments will be expected to provide 70% of the affordable housing as social or affordable rented dwellings and 30% as other forms of affordable homes. The provision of social rented housing must be considered before affordable rent and should be a minimum of 35% of the affordable housing provided. It is expected that these requirements will be met without the use of financial grant/subsidy.

Planning permission will not be granted unless these requirements are met, or, where it is agreed they cannot:

a) it is likely that any shortfall or financial equivalent can be met in the future by way of an agreed upward review mechanism included in a legal agreement or undertaking, or

b) the Council agrees that there are site specific circumstances that provide sufficient benefit to depart from the requisite level/type/mix of affordable housing.

Any application proposing less affordable housing than required or a different mix/tenure of affordable housing than required will be expected to provide an open book viability appraisal which will need to be independently verified by the Council at the cost to the applicant.

Affordable housing is expected to be met on site unless there are exceptional circumstances and where off-site provision or an appropriate financial contribution in lieu can be robustly justified.

Where this policy would result in a requirement that part of an affordable home should be provided, a financial contribution of equivalent value will be required for that part only. Otherwise, financial contributions in lieu of on site provision will only be acceptable in exceptional circumstances.

Sites of at least 400 dwellings will be expected to provide a minimum of 60 units of affordable rental Extra Care Housing. Where it’s agreed with Council that affordable Extra Care Housing would not be desirable, an equivalent amount of alternative affordable specialist supported housing should be provided. Where demand for affordable specialist housing is already met in the vicinity, a financial contribution in lieu may be agreed as an exception.

Policy COM 3: Housing Mix

3.220 Another of our Housing Strategy priorities is to improve the quality and sustainability of our homes, building thriving, healthy and inclusive communities and enhancing opportunities for people to access suitable homes and to have housing choices.

3.221 This Local Plan aims, not only to increase the supply of housing, but to encourage an appropriate mix to enable households to more easily find and move to housing they can afford and that better suits their circumstances. The housing mix needs to enable movement through the market from one house type to another as the needs of households change. This movement frees up housing that might otherwise be unavailable. There is also a need to provide a mix of housing that reflects the needs of an ageing population, a growth in smaller households, and that meets the requirements of families.

3.222 We have identified the following mix of homes that are needed by tenure:

Type	One Bedroom	Two  Bedrooms	Three  Bedrooms	Four+  Bedrooms
Social/Affordable Rented	25-30%	25-30%	30-35%	15-20%
Affordable Home Ownership	20-25%	40-45%	25-30%	5-10%
Market Housing	5-10%	35-40%	35-40%	15-20%

Table 4: Mix of housing by size and type

3.223 The evidence shows that more people are working from home than has historically been the case and this trend is expected to continue. It is important we enable people to work from home and to set up businesses in their homes, as this will help to reduce costs and reduce the need for travelling. The Council will therefore encourage live/work units to be provided in new developments forming part of the dwelling mix. Live/work units can help to create vibrant communities. The employment uses provided in these units will need to be ancillary to the residential use and have regard to residential amenity.

3.224 Providing for a mix of homes and helping to increase affordability could also include building modular homes, which are homes where sections are constructed at a factory and transported to the development site rather than being constructed on site.

Policy COM 3: Housing Size/Type

New residential development will be expected to provide the size/type of market homes to meet current and expected future requirements in the interests of meeting housing need and creating socially mixed, vibrant and inclusive communities. Applications will be expected to provide evidence on the appropriate housing mix to meet needs and to respond to local market conditions and locational/site characteristics. The Council will consider this against the mix at Table 4 or its latest available evidence.

The size/type of affordable housing must meet the latest available evidence from the Council having regard to its Housing Register and in accordance with Policy COM 2.

Where appropriate, the provision of alternative building techniques including modular homes will be encouraged.

Policy COM 4: Specialist Housing

3.225 The need to provide housing for older people is critical. People are living longer and the proportion of older people in the population is increasing. Our evidence shows a significant increase in Cherwell's population of older people with consequentially a significant need for all types of specialist housing for older people.

3.226 ‘Extra care’ housing, in particular, will be important in meeting the housing needs of an older population across all tenures. Extra care housing comprises self-contained accommodation for older and disabled people, which facilitates healthy, independent living for longer, by providing a range of support facilities on the premises and 24-hour care services. It can help people live longer in their own homes either securely alone or with partners or friends. It meets a need between traditional sheltered housing and residential care and can be purpose-built or adapted accommodation. People have their own front doors but also have the opportunity to benefit from communal facilities. Extra care can also contribute to achieving more social cohesion by providing an opportunity for community living and a better mix of housing within residential areas. Oxfordshire County Council's Specialist and Supported Housing Needs Assessment September 2024 estimates that by 2044 there is a need for an additional 1,535 sheltered/retirement housing to meet Cherwell's needs (1,317 to 2039). In addition there is a need for 477 additional extra care units by 2044 (416 by 2039).

3.227 14.1% of Cherwell residents have a long-term limiting health issue or disability and over 2% of households in Cherwell include someone with a long term health issue or disability. Whilst the housing needs of these groups will vary depending on the severity of their disability, we know that they are more likely to be homeowners. Our priority is therefore to ensure that future development provides a continued supply of accessible and adapted properties within all tenures that respond to identified needs. There is also a need for a diverse range of supported housing including for people with learning disabilities, with physical disabilities and for vulnerable young people, including young parents. There is also scope for technology to be provided in new homes to enable individuals of varying ability and older people to live more independently.

Policy COM 4: Specialist Housing

Housing sites of 400 dwellings and above will be expected to provide extra care dwellings (C3 use class) as part of the overall mix. The proportion of extra care housing units is to be agreed with the Council based on the nature of the site and proposals in question and having full regard to the evidence of need for these units.

Should it be agreed with the Council that extra care housing would not be desirable in a particular location, an equivalent amount of alternative specialist housing will be required. Elsewhere, opportunities for the provision of extra care, specialist housing for older and/or disabled people, those with mental health needs, looked after children, and other supported housing for those with specific living needs will be encouraged in suitable locations close to services and facilities.

Policy COM 5: Residential Space Standards

Accessible and Adaptable Housing

3.228 There is a focus on supporting older people and those with a disability to live more independently at home. Supporting healthy independent living for longer can help to reduce preventable burdens of poor health, and the costs to health and social services. Providing more housing options for older people can free up homes that are under occupied.

3.229 Given the ageing population and the identified levels of disabilities amongst the population it will be essential for new housing to be built to accessibility standards to help people to maintain independence for longer. Our evidence indicates that there will be an increasing demand in the future for specialist housing to meet the needs of the elderly and those with physical or learning disabilities and it maybe justified for us to require all dwellings in all tenures to meet the M4(2) (Category 2) standards, and recommends that 10% of homes could meet M4(3) (Category 3) standards.

3.230 Category 1 requirements are mandatory within the Building Regulations and are classed as a visitable dwelling. Reasonable provision should be made for people to gain access to and use the dwelling and its facilities. A Category 2 dwelling is classed as accessible and adaptable and is optional in the Building Regulations. Provision must be sufficient to meet the needs of occupants with differing needs including some older and disabled people and to allow adaptation of the dwelling to meet the changing needs of the occupant over time. A Category 3 dwelling is classed as for a wheelchair user and is optional in the Building Regulations.

3.231 We are very keen to support people to live independently therefore such developments should be located in places where there is an opportunity to access services and facilities so that people feel less isolated and part of a community.

3.232 The most suitable locations are those closest to the centres of our main urban areas, although there may be other locations that are appropriate, such as within some of our larger villages. Housing schemes for older people and for people with disabilities should be located on sites within convenient reach of shops, community facilities and frequent public transport services. We will have regard to the overall need for this type of development and the use class that is proposed when considering planning applications.

Internal residential space

3.233 The quality of buildings and places, and how they integrate with the natural environment, have been shown to affect how people interact with them. Good quality development can create environments that promote wellbeing and happiness, as well as provide functional, well-built places.

3.234 Internal space within new dwellings is an important factor in creating homes that support a high quality of life and allow households to meet their current needs whilst also being flexible enough to accommodate changes in their circumstances.

3.235 The government has set out appropriate nationally described space standards for new developments. These space standards are predicated on the number of bedrooms and the number of people each new dwelling is intended to accommodate.

3.236 They are mandatory for all new homes developed under permitted development rights. This is in recognition of the fact that many have fallen below these standards in the past and created inappropriately sized homes. To be consistent with this approach we will require that all new dwellings, including newly formed dwellings through conversion, conform with nationally described space standards. The requirement to meet these space standards will ensure that all new housing provides good room sizes and levels of storage to provide a decent standard of living, enable people to live in their homes for longer and to maximise the occupancy of affordable homes.

3.237 Separate Regulations apply to sleeping accommodation floor areas in licenced Homes in Multiple Ownership (HMOs).

External residential space

3.238 Outdoor amenity space can make an important contribution to improving the quality of life and well-being of residents, supporting and enhancing local biodiversity, moderating temperature, and assisting with flood prevention. Connecting with the natural environment has been further shown to lower stress, blood pressure and heart rate, whilst improving psychological wellbeing and inclusivity and encouraging physical activity with lifelong benefits.

3.239 Gardens provide a semi-natural habitat supporting a range of species and corridors for movement of wildlife through the local environment. Garden plants and trees help cool the air, combating high temperatures in summer and providing shelter and insulation in winter, thus helping to reduce heat stress and energy consumption. Vegetation and trees intercept intense rain, slowing runoff and so reducing the pressure on urban drains. Unlike hard surfaces, the soil in gardens naturally absorbs rainwater, helping to mitigate fluvial and surface water flooding, and builds community resilience to climate change.

3.240 External amenity space should be sufficient to accommodate:

• A table and chairs suitable for the size of dwelling
• Where relevant, provision of a garden shed for general storage (including bicycles if cycle storage is not provided elsewhere)
• Space for refuse and recycling bins
• An area to dry washing
• Circulation space
• An area for children to play in.

3.241 External residential space does not include car parking or turning areas. Suitable arrangements for access to refuse and recycling bins should be made to prevent bins being transported through dwellings and for scooter storage and charging facilities.

3.242 One-bedroom dwellings would not be expected to provide space for children to play due to the lower likelihood of children occupying these units. Dwellings with more than one bedroom would need to take space for children to play into account.

3.243 Where it is appropriate and viable to do so, flatted developments will need to provide high-quality shared amenity areas on-site to meet the needs of residents, including play space for children, in addition to private amenity space and cycle storage.

Policy COM 5: Residential Space Standards

Internal Residential Space

All new dwellings will achieve compliance with the nationally described space standards (or any successor standards/policy) as a minimum and the provision of home that meet the M4(2) Building Regulations standards is encouraged.

On residential sites of 100 dwelling or more, at least 10% of the dwellings should be built to M4(3) Building Regulations standards or subsequent equivalent.

External Residential Space

New residential dwellings will be expected to have direct access to an area of private and/or communal amenity space. The form of amenity space will be dependent on the form of housing and could be provided as a private garden, roof garden, communal garden, courtyard balcony, or ground-level patio with defensible space from public access. The amount of outdoor amenity space should be appropriate to the size of the property and designed to allow effective and practical use of and level access to the space by residents.

In providing appropriate outdoor amenity space both private and communal, development proposals are required to:

• take into account the orientation of the amenity space In relation to the sun at different times of the year
• address Issues of overlooking and enclosure, which may otherwise Impact unacceptably on the proposed property and any neighbouring properties
• design the amenity space to be of a shape, size and location to allow effective and practical use of the space by residents.

Policy COM 6 : Self-Build and Custom-Build Housing

3.244 Self and custom-build is the process by which an individual or association builds housing for their own use, either by undertaking the whole process themselves or by commissioning architects or builders to assist.

3.245 The Self-Build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015 places a duty on local councils in England to keep a register of people who are interested in self-build or custom-build projects in their area. This register helps the Council understand the level of demand for self-build and custom-build plots in the district. During 2020/21 there were 35 self-build affordable housing completions in the district that took place at the Graven Hill site in Bicester.

3.246 We are keen to encourage further provision of self and custom build housing in appropriate locations to aid in housing delivery, assist with affordability and to allow for innovative design solutions particularly where they support equality opportunity. We will monitor the demand for this type of housing and where possible will assist in the delivery of sites. Development proposals that involve the creation of low-cost or affordable housing, for instance via Registered Providers of Social Housing or community groups, would be particularly supported as these would provide additional opportunities to meet the demands for affordable homes in the district.

Policy COM 6: Self-Build and Custom-Build Housing

Proposals for custom and self-build housing will be approved in suitable, sustainable locations subject to compliance with other relevant policies of this plan.

The Council will require all housing developments of 100 or more dwellings to include 5% of the residential plots to be serviced and made available for self-build which can include the partial completion for selffinish. This will be reviewed through the Council’s Monitoring Report considering the need shown on the register.

Plots must be made available and marketed for an appropriate time (to be agreed with the local planning authority through the granting of planning permission for the site). If, following this marketing these plots have not sold, and sufficient evidence is provided that there is not likely to be market interest in the plot(s), the applicant will be able to develop the land for further market housing.

Policy COM 7: Sub-Division of Dwellings and Homes in Multiple Occupation

3.247 With high house prices and the significant need for affordable homes in the district, the conversion of existing housing to flats or maisonettes makes a relatively small but important contribution to the housing stock and meeting housing needs. However, sub-division can have negative impacts on amenity due to the increased occupancy that normally results from sub-division. The design and/or location of some residential areas within our urban areas has meant that houses in these areas have attracted higher levels of sub-division leading to concerns about parking and traffic congestion and loss of local character. It is also important the living conditions of residents of Home in Multiple Ownership (HMO) is satisfactory.

3.248 Subdivision of a building, including any part it, used as a dwellinghouse for use as two or more separate dwelling houses constitutes development and planning permission is required. However, planning permission is not required when converting from a dwelling house or flat to an HMO property, which is a small-shared house of up to six unrelated individuals.

Policy COM 7 : Sub-Division of Dwellings and Homes in Multiple Occupation

Proposals for the conversion of existing dwellings to provide two or more self-contained units of accommodation or to a HMO requiring planning permission will only be permitted provided that they would be unlikely to cause demonstrable harm to the amenities and privacy of neighbouring properties.

The Council will expect proposals to comply with parking standards. When considering proposals, the Council will have regard to the site’s location in relation to the town centre and public transport provision, and the existing street parking conditions in the locality.

Policy COM 8 : Residential Caravans

3.249 A caravan may be required for a temporary period for example to house a key worker or a family member while they construct or renovate their own house. In such cases, provided there are no overriding planning objections on highway, amenity or servicing grounds, a planning consent may be granted on a temporary basis and will only be granted on the understanding that alternative permanent accommodation is sought. Planning permissions may not automatically be renewed at the end of the specified time-period.

Policy COM 8 : Residential Caravans

Planning permission will be granted for residential caravans to be located for a temporary period within the curtilage of a house or in close association with an existing land use provided that:

i. The proposal does not cause demonstrable harm to the amenities of adjacent residents, or the character and appearance of the surrounding area;

ii. The proposal can provide a safe and convenient access, and

iii. It is the intention of the applicant to seek alternative permanent accommodation prior to the expiration of the temporary consent.

Policy COM 9: Travelling Communities

3.250 The Council commitment to address housing need applies to our settled and travelling communities. Providing enough suitable accommodation secures their access to:

• employment opportunities for families to remain together
• a nomadic life, in line with culture and traditions
• other primary needs, especially education and health.

3.251 A gypsy and traveller accommodation assessment is an essential requirement of the Local Plan, and the need must be met as part of the Local Plan process. National guidance on this is provided in the Government’s Planning Policy for Traveller Sites (2015). In December 2023, the Government announced a reversal to the pre 2015 gypsy and traveller planning definition. It now applies to all those of travelling background, not just those who are currently travelling. Any other aspect of the 2015 guidance remains unchanged.

3.252 The 2015 National Planning Policy for Traveller Sites requires Local Planning Authorities, in producing their Local Plan, to identify a 5-year supply of deliverable sites. In 2016 the Government also published draft guidance to local housing authorities on the periodical review of housing needs for boat dwellers and caravans.

3.253 The Cherwell Local Plan (2015) Policy BSC 6: Travelling Communities, provided a sequential and criteria-based approach for considering planning applications and set out targets for the provision of pitches and plots: 19 (net) additional pitches to meet the needs of Gypsies and Travellers from 2012 to 2031 and 24 (net) additional plots for Travelling Showpeople from 2012 to 2031.

3.254 Since the adoption of the 2015 Local Plan, no land has been allocated for travellers needs in the district. The closure of Newlands Caravan Park at Bloxham in 2017 and planning permission at Station Approach in Banbury for 63 residential apartments resulted in the loss of 46 traveller pitches. During the same period, permissions have been gained for 35 pitches dotted in several sites at Mollington, Piddington, Chesterton, Launton and Hampton Poyle.

3.255 Our latest Annual Monitoring Report (2023 AMR) indicates that as at 31 March 2023, the total supply of Gypsy and Traveller pitches was 71, which is a net gain of 14 pitches since 1 April 2017.

3.256 The most up to date assessment of need is a county-wide joint study commissioned in 2023 and cover the period 2042. The study addresses the need for gypsy and traveller, travelling showpeople and boat dwellers.

3.257 Policy COM 31 provides a criteria-based approach to guide the provision of residential canal moorings should the need for boat dwellers accommodation arise.

3.258 The 2024 study indicates a need of 30 gypsy and traveller pitches in Cherwell for the Plan period, 10 of which need to be provided in the first 5 years of the Plan (2023/24-2027/28). Findings for travelling showpeople indicate a need for 4 plots over the Plan period of which none is required within the first five years of the Plan.

Table 5 Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Needs

Short term 2023/24 to 2027/28	10
Longer term 2028/29 to 2041/42	20
Total need 2023 to 2042	30

Table 6 . Travelling Showpeople Accommodation Needs

Short term 2023/24 to 2027/28	0
Longer term 2028/29 to 2041/42	4
Total	4

3.259 The study provides evidence on the potential supply of pitches identified through interviews and site information analysis. It indicates a potential supply of up to 33 additional pitches in Cherwell through the regularisation and expansion or intensification of existing sites.

Table 7 . Gypsy and Traveller pitch supply and residual need

Shortfall 2023/24 to 2027/28	10
Longer-term 2028/29 to 2041/42	20
Total Net Shortfall 2023/24 to 2041/42	30
Potential supply of pitches	33
Residual need	-3

3.260 We will prevent the loss of existing pitches/plots and propose to provide the need of new pitches through:

• extant permissions
• intensification of existing sites and/or
• extension of existing sites.

3.261 All gypsy and traveller and travelling showpeople sites in Cherwell are privately owned. It is important that we work with the travelling community, site owners and operators to keep an up to date understanding of their needs for wider services and facilities. There are no set parameters for site or pitch/plot sizes but the Gypsy and Traveller, Travelling Showperson and Boat Dweller Accommodation Assessment 2024 provides a general guide to sizes and amenity requirements and further resource references.

3.262 Traveller sites should have access to local services, facilities and potential sources of employment, promoting inclusive communities while not being out of scale with nearby settled communities. The distances set in Policy COM 9 are considered a reasonable walking/cycling distance and limit the distance needed to travel by private car if this is necessary.

3.263 The study indicates a potential need for transit/stopping places in Oxfordshire. The recommendation is to arrange a mechanism for negotiated stopping place. This will be discussed between all authorities with input from the County Council to manage positively unauthorised encampment activity across the County.

Policy COM 9: Travelling Communities

The Council will make provision for additional gypsy and travellers pitches and travelling showpeople plots in Cherwell to 2042 in accordance with the most recent accommodation assessment of need.

Need will be met through the implementation of extant planning permissions and the expansion and/or intensification of existing sites, subject to other policies being satisfied.

Development for the accommodation of gypsy and travellers and travelling showpeople will be considered favourably provided that a need is appropriately demonstrated.

The following criteria will be considered in assessing the suitability of sites:

i. Access to GP and other health services;

ii. Access to schools;

iii. Avoiding areas at risk of flooding;

iv. Access to the highway network;

v. The potential for significant noise and other disturbance;

vi. The potential for harm to the historic and natural environment;

vii. The ability to provide a satisfactory living environment;

viii. The need to make efficient and effective use of land;

ix. Deliverability, including whether utilities can be provided cost effectively and without significant impact;

x. The existing level of local provision, and

xi. The availability of alternatives to applicants.

Sites for Gypsies and Travellers and travelling showpeople should be within 3km road distance of the built-up limits of our Main Towns, Local Service Centres or Larger Villages. Other locations will only be considered in exceptional circumstances. Locations within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or the Oxfordshire Green Belt are unlikely to be considered acceptable.

The loss of sites, pitches or plots to non-Gypsy, Traveller or showpeople use will not be supported unless it can be suitably demonstrated that:

i. there is no current need nor likely need within the Plan period for permanent nor transit accommodation; or

ii. the site, pitches/plots are no longer suitable for use by the travelling community on a permanent nor a transit basis, and

iii. appropriate alternative provision of equal or better quality and location regarding services is made available before the existing accommodation is lost.

Policy COM 10: Protection and Enhancement of the Landscape

Landscape

3.264 Cherwell enjoys a varied and distinctive local landscape character that is greatly valued by the community. A small part of the Cotswolds National Landscape (AONB) is within the north-west of the district. We will use the policies in the Cotswolds AONB Management Plan to assess any development proposals within the designated area.

3.265 The character of the Cherwell landscape is formed by many different factors including landform, drainage, geology, farming practices, land uses, ecology, settlement patterns and forms of enclosure. It is important that those features that positively add to the local character are protected wherever possible.

3.266 Cherwell falls within three areas of Natural England’s National Character Areas, which it uses to define a specific combination of landscape, geodiversity, biodiversity, history, culture and economic activity in the area. These are:

• NCA 95 Northamptonshire Uplands
• NCA 107 Cotswolds
• NCA 108 Upper Thames Clay Vales

3.267 There are however smaller areas within NCA 88 Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Claylands in the east and NCA 109 Midvale Ridge in the southern edge of the district.

3.268 The western fringe of the district lies within the north-eastern part of the Cotswolds National Landscape (formerly Area of Natural Beauty, or AONB). Most of the National Landscape within Cherwell is centred on the village of Epwell, within the Whichford Hills and Valleys Character Area.

3.269 The Oxfordshire Wildlife and Landscape Study (OWLS) defines 19 landscape character types across Cherwell. It identifies the ‘forces for change’ in a particular location and includes landscape/biodiversity strategies that set guidelines for how developments can contribute towards landscape character. Further landscape sensitivity character assessments have been undertaken to inform this Local Plan. Further landscape character assessments will also be prepared to inform our final plan.

3.270 Local landscape features are also important elements of our local landscape character and identity. Insensitive development can cause harm to the character and setting of such features and the surrounding countryside. Such important features include Muswell Hill, Crouch Hill, Madmarston Hill, the River Cherwell and Otmoor. Many form landmarks valued by our local communities.

3.271 A distinct landform and landscape features particularly around Banbury and Bicester have shaped the distribution and pattern of the towns and the surround rural settlements. Although Banbury and Bicester have expanded significantly in recent decades and further development is planned around Bicester in particular, many parts of the district retain a strong rural character and tranquillity. This is most noticeable in areas such as:

• the ironstone villages in the north of the district
• the Upper Cherwell Basin and Cherwell Valley
• the lowlands of Otmoor.
• the well-treed arable farmland and parklands north of Bicester.

3.272 Our landscapes today are likely to face new pressures, the need to transition to renewable energy sources to meet Net Zero climate change targets is likely to increase development pressure on our landscapes from renewable energy development. For example, a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project for an 840 MW solar farm across Oxford, Cherwell and West Oxfordshire Districts (known as ‘Botley West’) has been submitted by a developer to the Planning Inspectorate for consideration.

3.273 It is important we have a suite of up-to-date landscape evidence providing clear guidance for development so that inward investment into the district should not come at the expense of the valued landscapes that make the district a pleasurable place to live and work. We recognise the need for landscape enhancement and that innovative changes to landscapes are sometimes required in order to reinforce aspects that make areas special. Development proposals should demonstrate how they represent a sensitive and contextual response to the landscape to ensure they respond positively to landscape areas and features.

3.274 Many of our settlements are located within or adjacent to landscapes valued by their local communities. There is therefore particular significance placed on the fringe areas of these settlements to ensure a sensitive transition is achieved between built environments and the open countryside. Development proposals set in close proximity to these fringe areas will need to give special regard to their impact on landscape character of nearby rural areas. Greater emphasis in terms of visual impact will be placed on proposals that would extend the boundaries of a settlement into the open countryside.

3.275 Development proposals will be expected to justify any loss of woodlands, trees, hedges, ponds, walls and any other features that are important to the character of local landscapes as a result of their ecological, historic or amenity value. Retention of these features should be prioritised, and any harm should be minimised and appropriately mitigated against.

3.276 A key element of this Plan's vision and objective SO5 is to protect and enhance our natural and built environment. The different natural, cultural and perceptual attributes of our landscape define its distinctiveness.

Policy COM 10: Protection and Enhancement of the Landscape

Development proposals will be expected to preserve the character and appearance of the landscape through the restoration, management and enhancement of existing areas, features or habitats and where appropriate the creation of new ones, including the planting of woodlands, trees and hedgerows.

Development will be expected to respect and enhance local landscape character, securing appropriate mitigation where damage to local landscape character cannot be avoided. Proposals will not be permitted if they would:

i.       Cause an unacceptable visual intrusion into the open countryside;

ii.      Be inconsistent with local character;

iii.     Introduce disturbances to areas with a high level of tranquillity;

iv.     Cause coalescence between settlements;

v.      Harm the setting of natural, built and historic landmark features, or

vi.     Reduce the historic significance of the landscapes.

Development proposals must have regard to the key landscape qualities of the district’s landscape character areas and the strategy and guidelines in the council's landscape character assessment.

All major developments proposals must be supported by a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment. Smaller development proposals may also require an assessment to be submitted if deemed appropriate, having regard to the type, scale, location and design of the proposed development.

In determining development proposals within or adjacent to the Cotswolds National Landscape, great weight will be given to conserving and enhancing the area’s scenic beauty and landscape qualities, including its wildlife and heritage.

The Cotswolds AONB Management Plan will be used as supplementary guidance in decision making relevant to the National Landscape.

Development proposals within the National Landscape will only be permitted if they are small scale, sustainably located and designed, and would not conflict with the aim of conserving and enhancing the scenic beauty of the area.

Policy COM 11: Local Landscape Designations

3.283 Revisions to the NPPF since the adoption of the Cherwell Local Plan 2015 changed the context in which planning policies and decisions are made in relation to the enhancement of the local environment and the protection and enhancement of valued landscapes. 

3.284 This prompted the council to commission a review of land previously designated as areas of high landscape value in Cherwell in the 1996 Local Plan. These were: Ironstone Downs, Cherwell Valley, Thame Valley, North Ploughley, Muswell Hill, and Otmoor.

3.285 The review is set out in the Cherwell Local Landscape Designations Study 2024. The study follows from, and draws upon the districtwide Cherwell Landscape Character Assessment 2024 and considers whether land in the district demonstrates valued landscape characteristics and whether it can be considered to be of ‘above ordinary’ value. 

3.286 It concludes that the areas previously designated have ‘above ordinary’ landscape value. That is, the landscapes are considered to have particular qualities/characteristics that elevate them above that of ‘ordinary’ countryside.

3.287 The study proposes changes to previous boundaries mainly responding to additional development which has taken place, urbanising influences on the edges of Banbury, Bicester and Kidlington and a logical division of the original Cherwell Valley Area. The Local Landscape Designations (LLDs) proposed in Policy COM 11 are:

• Cherwell Valley
• Ironstone Downs
• Muswell Hill
• North Ploughley
• Otmoor
• Thames Valley
• Upper Cherwell Valley.

3.288 The Cherwell Local Landscape Designations Study 2024 identifies these seven areas as special landscapes within Cherwell and:

• Defines the attributes and identify the qualities that make them worthy of local designation
• Ensures a robust and consistent criteria-based approach to defining locally designated landscapes
• Identifies guidelines for protecting the qualities that make an area worthy of designation.

3.289 Local Landscape Designations aim to protect areas with locally appreciated scenic value. They are non-statutory designations and thus afford a lower level of protection than national landscape designations.  We will use Policy COM 11 and the Local Landscape Designations Study to ensure development responds to the valued features and qualities of our local landscape and contribute to a distinctive sense of place.

Policy COM 11: Local Landscape Designations

Cherwell local landscape designations (as shown in the Policies Map) are:

• Cherwell Valley
• Ironstone Downs
• Muswell Hill
• North Ploughley
• Otmoor
• Thames Valley
• Upper Cherwell Valley.

Development proposals within or affecting a designated local landscape will be assessed based on its specific landscape and visual impact on the valued characteristics of the designated landscape.

Development must have regard to the Cherwell Local Landscape Designations Study and avoid loss or harm to the aspects of landscape value and qualities of the designated landscape.

Development will be required to respond appropriately to the recommendations for managing the designated local landscape.

Policy COM 12: The Oxford Green Belt

3.290 Part of the district falls within the Oxford Green Belt. The fundamental aim of Green Belt policy is to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open; with the most important attribute of Green Belts being their openness.

Policy COM 12: The Oxford Green Belt

The Oxford Green Belt boundaries within Cherwell District will be maintained in order to:

i.  Preserve the special character and landscape setting of Oxford;

ii. Check the growth of Oxford and prevent ribbon development and urban sprawl;

iii. Prevent the coalescence of settlements;

iv.  Assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment; and

v. Assist in urban regeneration, by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land.

Development proposals within the Green Belt will be assessed in accordance with current government policy and other relevant Development Plan policies.

Policy COM 13: Settlement Gaps

3.291 Each of our towns and villages has its own separate identity. It is important that development on areas of open land between them is avoided where this would lead to coalescence. Some gaps are more vulnerable than others and some rural communities may feel particularly threatened where they are in close proximity to urban areas. An example might be between Banbury and Bodicote.

3.292 In addition, there are villages that are separated by small stretches of open land that should be preserved to maintain the identity of villages.  There are a number of settlement pairings in Cherwell where this is particularly significant such as the Sibfords (Sibford Gower and Sibford Ferris), the Barfords (Barford St Michael and Barford St John), the Astons (Steeple, Middle and North Aston) and Little and Great Bourton.

3.293 In some instances, the importance of a gap lies in its role preserving the character of a loose-knit settlement structure or in maintaining the proper setting for a listed building or in preserving a view or feature of recognised amenity or historical value. Policies COM 10, COM 12 and COM 13 address the protection and enhancement of the role such gaps play.

3.294 Local open land gaps identified in neighbourhood plans such as the Twyford and Bodicote/Banbury and West Adderbury and Milton gaps help prevent coalescence and protect the character of rural settlements.

3.295 This Plan focus development in Cherwell’s sustainable locations, making efficient and effective use of land, conserving and enhancing the countryside, landscape, the natural environment, and the setting of its towns and villages. The Local Plan strategy and policies have been informed by an assessment of the role land associated Banbury and Bicester, Heyford Park and their surrounding villages plays in preserving and enhancing their setting and identity.

3.296 In supporting this approach, the Council commissioned a Green Gaps Study. The primary function of the gaps identified in this study is to:

• Avoid coalescence and retain the separate identity of settlements
• Protect high quality landscapes on the urban fringe and provide access to the countryside.

3.297 The study focused on land areas associated with Banbury, Bicester and Heyford Park. Cherwell areas within the Oxford Green Belt were excluded from the study as that designation performs the function of preventing settlement coalescence. The study identifies broad areas within which maintenance of settlement separation is a key consideration.

3.298 The Council proposes to take forward the following areas as strategic green gaps considered to perform an important role on settlement separation. These are included in Policy COM 13 for designation as strategic gaps associated with our main urban areas.

Table 8: Strategic Gaps Associated with Settlements

Strategic gaps associated with Banbury	Strategic gaps associated with Bicester	Strategic gaps associated with Heyford park
Adderbury and Twyford Bloxham Bodicote Little Bourton and Great Bourton Broughton Drayton and Wroxton Hanwell Horley Kings Sutton Milton Nethercote, Overthorpe, Warkworth and Middleton Cheney North Newington Williamscot and Chacombe	Ambrosden, Blackthorn and Arncott Bucknell (NW Bicester) Caversfield Chesterton Launton Merton Middleton Stoney Stratton Audley Wendlebury	Ardley with Fewcott Caulcott Fritwell Middleton Stoney Somerton Upper and Lower Heyford

3.299 We have identified these strategic gaps in the context of the NPPF and taking into account the housing and employment needs to support the Local Plan requirements.

3.300 Strategic gaps are not landscape designations, their purpose is to identify areas within which maintenance of settlement separation is a key consideration.

3.301 Each identified strategic gap is supported by the key characteristics/features important to the maintenance of the gap and guidance is provided for preserving and enhancing the degree of settlement distinction provided by the gap.  Development proposals within a strategic gap will be assessed against the gap’s key characteristics to help determine the likely harm to a settlement separation and identity.

3.302 Small scale development that is in keeping with the rural nature of the gaps will not be prevented, provided that it is appropriately sited and designed to minimise impact on the key characteristics of each gap and subject to other policies of this plan.

3.303 We acknowledge that some proposed allocation sites may put pressure on existing gaps or settlements, and we have considered the suitability of defining strategic gaps alongside site allocations. Where allocations contain large areas which are likely to remain as green space and play an important role in preserving distinction between settlements, these have been included in the strategic gap designation. This approach  is proposed for the strategic gap between North-West Bicester and Bucknell.  Development within the strategic gap will be assessed against the criteria in Policy COM 13.

3.304 The precise boundaries of the strategic gaps are set out in Appendix 4. It contains a map with each strategic gap and the key characteristics and recommendations for their enhancement and preservation.

Policy COM 13: Settlement Gaps

The Council will seek to maintain the separate identity of settlements and prevent coalescence of built-up areas.

Development proposals will only be considered favourably where:

i. The physical and visual separation between the settlements is not diminished;

ii. Cumulatively, with other existing or proposed development, it does not compromise the physical and visual separation between settlements;

iii. It does not lead to a loss of environmental or historical assets that individually or collectively contribute towards local identity, and 

iv. It is proposed through a Local Plan, Neighbourhood Plan or Neighbourhood Development Order.

Strategic gaps associated with Banbury, Bicester and Heyford Park (as shown in Appendix 4) are:

Strategic Gaps Associated with Settlements

Banbury	Bicester	Heyford park
Adderbury and Twyford Bloxham Bodicote Little Bourton and Great Bourton Broughton Drayton and Wroxton Hanwell Horley Kings Sutton Milton Nethercote, Overthorpe, Warkworth and Middleton Cheney North Newington Williamscot and Chacombe	Ambrosden, Blackthorn and Arncott Bucknell (NW Bicester) Caversfield Chesterton Launton Merton Middleton Stoney Stratton Audley Wendlebury	Ardley with Fewcott Caulcott Fritwell Middleton Stoney Somerton Upper and Lower  Heyford

Development proposals within a strategic gap must have regard to the characteristic of the gap it is likely to affect (as shown in Appendix 4) and will be required to:

vi. Respond appropriately to the strategic gap characteristics and significance;

vii. Respond appropriately to the recommendations for the preservation and enhancement of the strategic gap, and

viii. Avoid loss of key characteristics and significance of the strategic gap.

Policy COM 14: Achieving Well-Designed Places

3.305 Our places are at the heart of everything we do, whether for work, shop, for leisure and recreation, to visit and for living. It is therefore essential we support high quality and healthy places that are accessible and inclusively designed for people at different stages of life and with different abilities, including, children, young people, adults, families and the elderly. All new development should contribute to the creation or enhancement of well-designed and well-built places that are inclusive and benefit people and communities through all aspects of their life.

3.306 The National Design Guide, first published by government in 2019, addresses the question of how we recognise well-designed places, by outlining and illustrating the Government’s priorities in the form of ten characteristics that are shown by Figure 6.

3.307 We are committed to securing exemplary standards of design across the district that contribute positively to vibrant, sustainable, safe and attractive places for our communities, whether in an urban or rural setting.

3.308 We also recognise that innovation and sustainability can provide the foundation to creating healthy and sustainable places. We will therefore promote exemplar architectural innovation in appropriate locations, for example, within our strategic site allocations.

3.309 Buildings are an important component of places and proposals for development. However good design also involves careful attention to other important components of our places. These can include:

• The context and setting of proposed places and buildings
• The existing and proposed hard and soft landscape
• Technical infrastructure, such as transport, utilities, and drainage
• Social infrastructure that supports social, commercial, and leisure activities.

3.310 A well-designed place is therefore unlikely to be achieved by just focusing on the appearance, materials and detailing of buildings. It comes about through making the right choices at all levels, including the layout, the form and scale of buildings, their appearance, landscape, materials, their detailing, and supporting infrastructure.

3.311 Where appropriate, proposals should have regard to specific design advice contained in supplementary planning guidance covering the district. The Cherwell Residential Design Guide SPD, Oxfordshire Historic Landscape Appraisal, Landscape Assessments, Conservation Area Appraisals and Cotswolds National Landscape guidance documents are all key tools for interpreting local distinctiveness and informing high design quality.

3.312 Masterplans are an important tool used by designers to set out the strategy for a new development and to demonstrate that the general layout, scale and other aspects of the design are based on good urban design principles. The Cherwell Residential Design Guide SPD sets out the principles of good design that must be demonstrated through the preparation of a masterplan as part of applications for major development and development of allocated sites. These, and other masterplans, should be produced in partnership with Cherwell District Council, the community and other stakeholders. For smaller developments, proposals need only be supported by a design and access statement which should provide a detailed design assessment proportionate to the scheme proposed.

Residential Extensions

3.313 The quality of both the urban and rural environments can very often be adversely affected by residential extensions. Insensitive designs and styles, together with the use of discordant materials, often detract from traditional street scenes within which modern developments may have otherwise been sympathetically introduced. The Council, in dealing with planning applications for house extensions, will therefore pay particular regard to details of scale, design and materials so as to ensure that the character of an area is maintained.

Public Realm

3.314 Investing in the quality of the public realm and the space between buildings is as important as investing in the quality of new buildings, all of which together, create the places in which we live, work, visit and enjoy. Design should always be inclusive, and the design of the public realm and outdoor spaces should cater for all potential users.

3.315 Good quality landscaping is a fundamental part of successful outdoor spaces. It is essential that landscape schemes/designs evolve alongside the architectural designs to ensure that there is a strong relationship between buildings and spaces. Trees and plants are important elements of any landscape scheme as they provide visual interest, add colour, shape and texture that help to frame outside spaces and make them more attractive. The careful choice of hard surface materials can have a big impact on the success and overall quality of outdoor spaces. In selecting materials for hard surfacing, thought should be given to their durability, compatibility with the local context, and relationship with the overall design vision. It is also important to consider practical issues of any landscape scheme, such as lifespan and climate resilience, it is important that the benefits are long term, and how maintenance requirements will be managed over time.

Public Art

3.316 Public art is an excellent way to add interest, create a sense of place and provide a focal point. The Council will work with developers to bring about the incorporation of public art into schemes where this is important to establish or reinforce a sense of place and identity. Public art should not be seen as an embellishment of a scheme or appear as an add-on or afterthought. Rather, it should be part of design considerations from the start and integrated into the overall design concept. Opportunities to reflect local culture and heritage should also be explored.

Secure by Design

3.317 High quality design means creating places that are safe for all, and where crime and disorder, including terrorism, and the fear of crime, do not undermine the quality of life or community cohesion and resilience. New developments should be designed to meet the principles and physical security standards of the Secure by Design scheme. Secure by Design is proven to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour and provides a well-established approach for designing safer developments to minimise opportunities for criminal and anti-social behaviour, and for creating spaces that reduce the fear of crime for everyone.

20-Minute Neighbourhoods

3.318 The 20-minute neighbourhood is about creating attractive, interesting, safe, walkable environments in which people of all ages and levels of fitness are happy to travel actively for short distances from home to the destinations that they visit and the services they need to use day to day, such as for shopping, school, community and healthcare facilities, places of work, green spaces, and more. These places need to be easily accessible on foot, by cycle, by wheelchairs, or by public transport, and accessible to everyone, whatever their budget or physical ability, without having to use a car. This is partly why the strategy set out within this plan focuses development to the most sustainable and accessible places and where there are maximum opportunities for delivering enhancements, especially by using sustainable modes of transport. The 20-minute neighbourhood idea is also about strengthening local economies by keeping jobs and money local and thus facilitating local food production, to help create jobs and the supply affordable and healthy food, more locally for all.

The Circular Economy

3.319 In addition to the 20-minute neighbourhood concept, the Local Plan also supports a ‘circular economy’ principle, that aims to keep resources in use as long as possible, extracting maximum value from them, minimising waste and promoting resource efficiency. This approach helps to minimise the use of new materials, and we will therefore encourage circular economy principles to be taken into account throughout the design process. These principles are:

• Building in layers – ensuring that different parts of the building are accessible and can be maintained and replaced where necessary
• Designing out waste – ensuring that waste reduction is planned in from project inception to completion, including consideration of standardised components, modular build and re-use of secondary products and materials
• Designing for longevity
• Designing for adaptability or flexibility
• Designing for disassembly
• Using systems, elements or materials that can be re-used and recycled.

Policy COM 14: Achieving Well-Designed Places

All new development will be required to achieve high quality design that responds to distinctive local character (Including landscape character) of the area In which It Is set through sensitive siting, layout and detailed design.

Development proposals are expected to demonstrate how they will achieve the ten characteristics of well-designed places as set out in the National Design Guide; and take account of local design guidance and codes including: the residential design guide, conservation area appraisals, landscape character assessments, neighbourhood plans and other relevant supplementary planning documents. Poorly designed developments will not be permitted.

New development proposals shall:

i.          Be designed to deliver high quality, safe, attractive, durable and healthy places for living and working;

ii.         Be designed to improve the quality, function, and appearance of its locality;

iii.        Deliver buildings, places and public spaces that can adapt to changing social, technological, economic and environmental conditions, including resilience to the effects of climate change;

iv.        Support the efficient use of land and infrastructure, through appropriate land uses, mix and densities;

v.         Adopt the principles of 20 Minute Neighbourhoods where appropriate;

vi.        Contribute positively to an area’s character and identity by creating or reinforcing local distinctiveness, conserving or enhancing the setting of heritage assets and respecting local topography and landscape features, including skylines, valley floors, significant trees, historic boundaries, landmarks, features or views

vii.       Respect the traditional pattern of routes, spaces, blocks, plots, enclosures and the form, scale and massing of buildings. Development should be designed to integrate with existing streets and public spaces, and buildings configured to create clearly defined active public frontages;

viii.      Reflect or, in a contemporary design response, re-interpret local distinctiveness, including elements of construction, elevational detailing, windows and doors, building and surfacing materials, mass, scale and colour palette;

ix.        Promote permeable, accessible and easily understandable places by creating spaces that connect with each other, are easy to move through actively and sustainably, and have recognisable landmark features;

x.         Demonstrate a holistic approach to the design of the public realm to create high-quality and multi-functional streets and places that promotes pedestrian movement and integrates different modes of transport, parking and servicing. The principles set out in The Manual for Streets. and Streets for a Healthy Life should be followed;

xi.        Consider the amenity of both existing and future development, including matters of privacy, outlook, natural lighting, ventilation, and indoor and outdoor space;

xii.       Limit the impact of light pollution from artificial light on local amenity, intrinsically dark landscapes and nature conservation;

xiii.      Be designed from the outset to reduce opportunities for crime and antisocial behaviour. All development is expected to have regard to and perform positively against the recommendations set out in,  and achieve Secured by Design accreditation.

xiv.      Consider sustainable design and layout at the outset, where building orientation and the impact of microclimate can be considered within the layout Incorporate energy efficient design and sustainable construction techniques, whilst ensuring that the aesthetic implications of green technology are appropriate to the context (also refer to the climate change policies set out within this plan);

xv.       Integrate and enhance green infrastructure and incorporate biodiversity enhancement features Well-designed landscape schemes should be an integral part of development proposals to support improvements to biodiversity, the micro-climate, and air pollution and provide attractive places that improve people’s health and sense of vitality;

xvi.      Use locally sourced sustainable materials wherever possible, with consideration of the embodied carbon of those materials.

xvii.     Demonstrate high quality, inclusive and sustainable design with the provision of a safe, pleasant, convenient and interesting environment where the quality of the public realm is enhanced and the likelihood of crime and fear of crime is reduced, and

xviii.    Not harm the use or enjoyment of land and buildings nearby including living conditions in residential properties; and

xix       Be designed to consider and not to hinder the potential future delivery of adjoining development sites.

The design of all new development will need to be informed by an analysis of the context, together with an explanation and justification of the principles that have informed the design rationale. This should be demonstrated in the Design and Access Statement that accompanies the planning application.

The Council will require design to be addressed in the pre-application process on major developments and in connection with all heritage sites. For major sites/strategic sites and complex developments, masterplans and Design Codes will need to be prepared in collaboration with the Council and local stakeholders to ensure appropriate character and high-quality design is delivered throughout. Design Codes will usually be prepared between outline and reserved matters stage to set out design principles for the development of the site. The level of prescription will vary according to the nature of the site.

The Council will expect strategic sites  and other large schemes to be subject to assessment by an Independent Design Review Panel.

Policy COM 15: Active Travel – Walking and Cycling

3.320 Prioritising active travel infrastructure, including connections between town centres, villages and to mobility hubs is vital to reducing emissions from transport, especially the private car. Reducing dependence on the private car will help the creation of a net-zero carbon transport network and help tackle traffic congestion.

3.321 To increase uptake in active travel modes, specifically walking and cycling, we will give greater priority to walkers, cyclists, wheelchair users, and public transport within our street space. We will also seek improvements to our public realm making our places more attractive for walking, cycling and wheelchair use. Our objective of creating public spaces and green routes that are open and accessible to all help will also play a role in encouraging active travel.

3.322 The IDP (2022) outlines the planned improvement works to the district’s transport network, including walking and cycling routes. Oxfordshire County Council’s Active Travel Strategy supports the LTCP in its vision to create an inclusive and safe net-zero transport system, with a focus on active travel modes.

3.323 Additional guidance on encouraging walking and cycling is provided in Cherwell’s Residential Design Guide SPD. The design criteria for accommodating pedestrians and cyclists are detailed in Oxfordshire’s Walking and Cycling Design and Street Design guides.

Policy COM 15:  Active Travel – Walking and Cycling

The Council will support the delivery of public realm improvements and infrastructure designed to create attractive places that make walking, wheeling and cycling  a safer, healthier, and more attractive as a travel choice.

New development and infrastructure proposals shall:

I.     Be designed to ensure that it connects with existing street patterns and creates safe and accessible places;

ii.      Maximise opportunities for walking and cycling by ensuring proposals give priority to pedestrians and cyclists in the use of street space and provide for filtered permeability;

iii.     Deliver high quality public realm for pedestrians and cyclists appropriate to the scale and nature of the proposal. Provision should be inclusive and address disabilities and particular mobility needs;

iv.     Ensure that existing pedestrian and cycling routes and public rights of way are retained as continuous linear features and improved where appropriate;

v.      Identify key pedestrian and cycling routes and their destinations and assess existing and predicted active travel movements to, through and from the site. They should provide safe, direct, and attractive routes that accommodate these movements and will be encouraged to support additional active travel movements;

vi.     Reduce road danger from other transport modes;

vii.    Be expected to enable and contribute towards improvements and delivery of local and strategic active travel routes and links as identified in the Bicester, Banbury Kidlington and Heyford Park Area Strategies and associated IDP and LCWIPS, and

viii.   Ensure provision of cycle parking and active travel in line with Oxfordshire County Council latest guidance.