Agenda item

To receive notification of the statutory consultation on the Draft West Oxfordshire Local Plan 2043.

Further information about the consultation, supporting documents and how to make a representation is available at www.westoxon.gov.uk/localplan2043

Members received notification of consultation on the draft Local Plan 2043 and noted that a formal response was required by 9 October 2026.

Discussion included the supporting Infrastructure Delivery Plan and whether sufficient infrastructure detail was available to inform consideration of the draft Plan. A Member highlighted the importance of ensuring that proposals relating to youth provision and enhanced sport and leisure facilities were appropriately reflected within the Witney-specific sections of the Plan.

Concerns were raised regarding terminology used within the draft document, including references to a "Northern Distributor Road", and it was considered important that such infrastructure terminology is clearly defined. Members further discussed the strategic transport requirements associated with future growth and expressed the view that, should a second river crossing not be delivered, there were questions as to whether elements of the Plan could be considered sound, noting that soundness was a key consideration identified within the District Council's consultation guidance.

It was agreed that Members would review the draft Plan in detail ahead of the Committee’s next meeting on 6 October 2026, when a formal response would be formulated. The Committee Clerk invited Members to submit comments and observations to officers in advance of that meeting to enable a robust draft response to be prepared for consideration by the Committee.

Resolved:

1.       That, the Committee welcomes the receipt of the draft West Oxfordshire Local Plan 2043 and;

2.    That, Members review the details of the plan and;

3.    That, the Committee formulate their response to the consultation at its meeting on 6 October 2026.