Cherwell Local Plan consultation starts

Cherwell Local Plan consultation starts

Residents are encouraged to have their say and help shape the future of Cherwell.

Cherwell District Council has begun a six-week consultation on its draft Cherwell Local Plan 2040 with views sought to help develop the plan.

The consultation runs until 3 November 2023, with people signposted to cherwell.citizenspace.com to share their comments.

The council also has four consultation events across Cherwell and at Woodstock, where residents can view the draft plan and ask the planning policy team questions.

The dates and locations are:

• Kidlington Football Club (OX5 1AT) on Wednesday, 4 October, 3pm to 8pm
• Bicester John Paul II Centre (OX26 6AW) on Friday, 13 October, 2pm to 7pm
• Woodstock Community Centre (OX20 1PB) on Tuesday, 17 October, 2.30pm to 6.30pm
• Lock 29, Castle Quay, Banbury (OX16 5UN) on Saturday, 21 October, 11am to 3pm

Councillor Dan Sames, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Development, said: "The Local Plan will be the blueprint for future development within Cherwell up until 2040. It will contain policies that will provide a legal framework, so it is important that we get it right. We want local communities and residents to help shape the policies so that they reflect the needs of the district, and this part of the Local Plan process provides the best opportunity to do this.

“We aim to protect and enhance our natural environment and ensure a sustainable future with responsible development in the right places. We understand the need for a limited amount of additional housing while maintaining affordability for those struggling to access the housing market. We must support our town centres, promote climate action and ensure towns and villages are attractive and welcoming places to live and visit.

“Given our desire for a sustainable future, we want people across the district to get involved, share their views and make a difference. This consultation asks a series of questions that will help shape the future draft of the Local Plan. It is important that residents and groups consider the questions carefully so that we can look at all the responses and make alterations or improvements as necessary for our shared future."

The final Local Plan will outline objectives and strategies for housing, infrastructure, and employment land up to 2040. It will introduce innovative policies to ensure the availability of affordable homes, reduce carbon emissions from development, and safeguard the district's natural and historic environments.

Now is the best time for everyone to get involved - read more about the Cherwell Local Plan Review 2040.

For more information about this release contact the Cherwell District Council communications team on 01295 227942 or email communications.team@cherwell-dc.gov.uk