Planning for better places to live, learn and work

Oxfordshire has to balance the need to protect and enhance its special environment, both urban and rural, with the needs for more housing and other development. There is also a need to ensure that physical and social infrastructure - such as public transport, health services and schools - are provided at the right time. Only by balancing these requirements will the county be able to achieve its objectives of securing a world class economy and healthy and thriving communities whilst tackling climate change and addressing environmental issues.

Currently the framework for the overall spatial planning strategy for Oxfordshire is provided by the Structure Plan (www.oxfordshire.gov.uk). However, this will change very soon when the South East Plan is approved by the Government later in 2008-09. Below the regional level there will be Local Development Frameworks prepared by each of the five district councils.

A draft South East Plan was prepared by South East England Regional Assembly (SEERA) and submitted to the Secretary of State in March 2006 and was subjected to a public examination in late 2006/ early 2007. The panel's report into the examination was published in August 2007.

In the draft South East Plan maintenance of the green belt around Oxford was proposed to preserve the city's special character and landscape setting, prevent ribbon development and urban sprawl, prevent the coalescence of settlements, protect the countryside and assist in urban regeneration by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land. However, following the public examination the Inspection Panel recommended a review of the green Belt to the south of the City.

After the preparation of the South East Plan the government invited submissions for a number of 'eco towns'. Weston Otmoor between Weston on the Green and the M40 is one of 15 sites across the country currently under consideration. A decision is expected later in 2008-09.

 Links to local development frameworks

All five district councils are developing local development frameworks - a collection of policies and plans to guide building development in a local area. These frameworks, along with the South East Plan and other major plans such as the Waste and Minerals Development Framework, will guide how much development and building there is in your area, where it is located and what infrastructure (roads, schools, community facilities) are needed to support it.

Housing

Housing demand is high in the South East and the Draft South East Plan anticipated housing growth of 2360 dwellings each year until 2026 but the Inspection Panel recommended an increase to 2730 pa. The draft plan proposes that at least 50 per cent of all new houses (in the central Oxfordshire sub region), should be 'affordable' to meet the needs of young people and those on low incomes. Growth points have also been designated within the county at Oxford and Didcot.

Community

The South East Plan embraces the concept of 'lifetime neighbourhoods' with inclusive, well designed living environments for all ages. A lifetime neighbourhood would provide all residents with the best possible chance of health, wellbeing and social inclusion, particularly as they grow older. This would require an accessible and pleasant built environment in which residents of all ages are not unnecessarily excluded by age, physical or cognitive ability, and remain able to work, socialise and participate for as long as possible. We will work to respond to older people's needs and experiences for example, in relation to the use of public transport, access to shops, amenities and leisure space, their perception of security, neighbourhood and place, and the desire to congregate, socialize and participate.

Employment

The main locations for the provision of additional land for employment will be at Bicester and Didcot, in particular to provide for the education, scientific and technological sectors and the expansion and relocation of existing local firms. In Oxford development for employment will take place mainly on previously developed land.

Traffic congestion

Road traffic has grown rapidly in Oxfordshire, particularly on the M40 and A34, and congestion is a significant problem. The county council, in partnership with Network Rail and the Highways Agency is promoting a package of measures called 'Access to Oxford' designed to ease congestion around the county. However, further management and development of transport networks will be needed.

Natural resources

Thames Water, through its resources management plan, has proposed a major new reservoir to the south west of Abingdon near the village of Steventon, although the need for this is still being examined. Consultation on the water resources management plan runs for 16 weeks from May, ending August 2008.

Oxfordshire has extensive deposits of sand, gravel and limestone and is an important producer of aggregate minerals for construction work mostly within the county. Aggregates are needed both for new development and to maintain the existing built fabric and infrastructure. The draft South East Plan sets out plans for extraction rates but following central government guidelines are now being reviewed.

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