The draft Joint Local Plan, which was given the go-ahead for public consultation by the two areas’ district councils in September, is set to replace the existing Local Plans for both councils if adopted.
After the six-week publication period, the plan and the comments received will be submitted to the government to be examined by a planning inspector.
The councils have said the draft plan shows there are enough new homes already in the pipeline, meaning there is no need to build on any extra greenfield sites over the next 15 years, beyond what has already been allocated.
The only area earmarked for expansion is the brownfield land owned by the Ministry of Defence at Dalton Barracks near Abingdon.
South Oxfordshire District Council and Vale of White Horse District Council offices (Image: Damian Halliwell) The plan also sets out new, “firmer” environmental policies, the councils said, to ensure development is net zero carbon and delivers twice the national level of biodiversity net gain.
Councillor Bethia Thomas, leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “It’s a big step forward for our communities that we’re at this stage earlier than anticipated.
“We’ve carried out significant, and successful public engagement over the past three years to help craft and develop this plan – this next step is a more technical process to test if the community believes the plan is sound and legally compliant.”
Councillor David Rouane, leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, added: “We’re one step closer to adopting this ground-breaking plan.
“I’d again like to thank all our hard-working staff for getting us to this stage and the public for their comments so far that have helped shape the plan into one that reflects the needs of our communities.”
The plan was described by South Oxfordshire District Council’s cabinet member for planning, councillor Anne-Marie Simpson, as “ambitious and innovative”.
It includes policies such as increasing the proportion of affordable housing on large sites from 40 per cent to 50 per cent across South Oxfordshire, without increasing the total number of homes being built.
Councillor Andy Foulsham, Vale of White Horse District Council’s cabinet member for policy and programmes, added: “I’m proud of this plan and how it looks to tackle the climate emergency and protect what’s important to our residents such as identifying parts of the districts which are valued landscapes or have dark skies or are especially prized for their tranquillity.”