Planning for better places to live, learn and work
Oxfordshire Partnership's draft Oxfordshire 2030 strategy and delivery plan.
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.
These included a review of the greenbelt south of Oxford in order to facilitate an urban extension of at least 4,000 homes. The Secretary of State's final decision following consultation is awaited.
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 as to whether this proposal is included in any finally approved list is expected in 2009. This section of the strategy will be updated in 2009 to reflect the requirements of the South East Plan and/ or eco town provision.
Links to local development frameworks
Critical to the delivery of 2030 goals is the provision of the physical and social infrastructure. The planning system will play an important role in helping us deliver sustainable communities by facilitating provision of, for example:
- Affordable homes and housing options
- Shops, business sites and premises
- Schools and health facilities
- Transport networks for pedestrians, cyclists, bus and rail users, and private and commercial road users
- Parks
- Flood defences
To make sure this happens all five district councils are developing local development frameworks (LDF's) - a collection of policies and plans to guide development in the local area which are essential tools in order to shape communities and ensure that services are delivered to meet local needs. These frameworks, along with the South East Plan and other major plans such as the minerals and waste 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. The Draft South East Plan proposed housing growth of 2,360 dwellings each year (within Oxfordshire) until 2026 but the Secretary of State has proposed an increase to 2,760 pa. The draft plan proposed 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, although the Secretary of State has suggested that this be reduced to 40%. Growth points have been designated within the county at Oxford and Didcot. Once the South East Plan is approved then Oxfordshire 2030 will be updated to reflect any changes.
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 residential care services, access to shops, amenities and leisure space, their perception of security, neighbourhood and place, and the desire to congregate,
socialise 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, scientifi c and technological sectors and the expansion and relocation of existing local fi rms. In Oxford, the West End Development, the Northern Gateway and potentially the Science Park to the south of the city will provide employment opportunities. In Banbury 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 traffic management and development of transport networks particularly around our market towns will be needed.
Oxfordshire’s principal road network is already operating at near capacity and traffic growth is predicted to increase significantly over the next few years. There is a backlog on infrastructure development both in road and rail. This is likely to be a growing problem both for businesses and individuals. The resultant traffic congestion will also add to pollution.
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 took place during the Summer of 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.
