Agenda item

To receive correspondence concerning this project and to consider entering a response on behalf of Witney Town Council if considered appropriate.

The committee considered a central government consultation about the future of the Oxford-Cambridge Arc, seeking views to help shape a vision for the Spatial Framework.

Members acknowledged the links to the Oxfordshire 2050 Plan and the need for Witney to be recognised despite being on the boundary of the proposals.

It was agreed that a response based on the issues raised in respect of the Oxfordshire 2050 plan be submitted.

Resolved:

That the following response be submitted in respect of the consultation:

Witney Town Council welcomes the consultation on the proposed Oxford-Cambridge Arc and although the town is not directly impacted, looks forward to a more substantial rapid travel network as part of a wider scheme reaching the outer areas of the County, West Oxfordshire included.

The principle areas in this part of the County along with the Town Council have declared Climate Emergencies so it would ask that the scheme compliments the policies of the emerging Oxfordshire Plan 2050, including; Addressing Climate Change, Improving Environmental Quality and Creating Strong and Healthy Communities so it is fundamentally driven by the sustainability of existing communities, rather than provision of further housing across green areas.