Agenda and draft minutes

To consider apologies and reasons for absence.

Committee Members who are unable to attend the meeting should notify the Committee Clerk derek.mackenzie@witney-tc.gov.uk prior to the meeting, stating the reason for absence.

Standing Order 8(e)(v) permits the appointment of substitute Councillors to a Committee whose role is to replace ordinary Councillors  ...  view the full agenda text for item P54

No apologies for absence were received.

Members are reminded to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests in any of the items under consideration at this meeting in accordance with the Town Council’s code of conduct.

There were no declarations of interest from Members or officers.

a) To adopt and sign as correct the minutes of the Committee held on 18 November and 9 December 2025 and 6 January 2026.

b) Matters arising from the minutes of 18 November and 9 December 2025 and 6 January 2026.

The minutes of the Committee meetings held on 18November and 9 December 2025 and 6 January 2026 were received.

P12 – The Committee Clerk updated the Committee on the decision of the developer to proceed with the naming as “Phoenix Row” despite the objection of a WODC Councillor.

P13  ...  view the full minutes text for item P56

The meeting will adjourn for this item.

Members of the public may speak for a maximum of five minutes each during the period of public participation, in line with Standing Order 25. Matters raised shall relate to the following items on the agenda.

There was no public participation.

To receive and consider a schedule of Planning Applications from West Oxfordshire District Council.

The Committee received and considered a schedule of planning applications from West Oxfordshire District Council.

Resolved:

That, the comments, as per the attached schedule be forwarded to West Oxfordshire District Council.

To receive and consider a schedule of planning decisions from West Oxfordshire District Council.

The Committee received and considered a schedule of planning decisions received from West Oxfordshire District Council (WODC).

The Committee Clerk summarised the reasoning for the decisions that were contrary to the Committee’s submission.

Resolved:

That, the list circulated advising of WODC planning decisions be noted.

To consider application W/26/00010/PRMA for a New Premises Licence at 52 High Street Witney, OX28 6HQ, under the Licensing Act 2003.

The Committee received the application from DhyeyDev Brothers, 52 High Street for a new premises licence. 

Resolved:

That, the Council submit the following response. 

Witney Town Council have no objection to the application they welcome the new business to the High Street ensuring that a shop premises does not remain  ...  view the full minutes text for item P60

To receive the minutes of the Witney Traffic Advisory Committee meeting held 20 January 2026.

(To Follow)

The Deputy Town Clerk (DTC) provided a verbal update of the Witney Traffic Advisory Committee held 20 January 2026. The update included details of the progression of Oxfordshire County Council’s projects, a request to bring forward the bus users meeting to spring 2026, community Speedwatch. The completed minutes would be  ...  view the full minutes text for item P61

To receive and consider the report of the Deputy Town Clerk (to follow).

The Deputy Town Clerk advised that due to the pressure on Officers time, the draft Infrastructure Funding Statement was yet to be finalised.

Resolved:

That, the Infrastructure Funding Statement be added as an agenda item to the meeting of the Committee on 31 March 2026.

To note the proposed changes and current consultation concerning the NPPF and consider any response on behalf of the town council, if appropriate.

National Planning Policy Framework: proposed reforms and other changes to the planning system - GOV.UK

The Deputy Town Clerk gave a verbal update following his attendance at a webinar on the proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

He reported that the proposals represented a significant and radical change to the current planning system. Key elements of the reforms included a presumption in  ...  view the full minutes text for item P63