The government announced on Thursday (December 12) that mandatory housing targets would be reintroduced, as part of the publication of the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
Oxford City Council welcomed the plans given the “affordability crisis” in homes, and the need for new homes in Oxford.
Louise Upton, cabinet member for planning, said: “Oxford City Council are builders, not blockers. We have a strong track record on housing delivery.
(Image: Oxford City Council) “Since the start of our current Local Plan in 2016/17 there have been 4,145 net housing completions in Oxford, and we expect a further 3,446 net completions by the end of 2027/28.
“It’s not just about numbers. It’s also important these homes are built in good quality environments supported by energy, transport and social infrastructure.
“We are disappointed to see some of our neighbouring councils trying to rush out their Local Plans in a desperate attempt to avoid having to include the new housing targets.
“For this reason, the only sensible way forward is to have strategic planning for new housing and other development at sub-regional level.”
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South Oxfordshire District Council and Vale of White Horse District Council submitted their joint local plans to the planning inspectorate for examination on Tuesday, December 10.
In a joint statement, councillor David Rouane and councillor Bethia Thomas, respective leaders of South and Vale councils, said: “Our Joint local plan has been three years in the making.
“It was a sensible and pragmatic decision to take up the government’s offer to submit the well-advanced plan this year and have it examined under the guidelines we used during the plan’s development.
“It would have come at huge expense to local taxpayers, incurred wasted time and effort of all who have engaged throughout the three consultation stages, and would have represented an enormous delay to stop the plan and start again under the government’s brand-new guidelines.”
David Hingley, leader of Cherwell District Council said the proposed local plan, which was approved at the executive meeting on Thursday, December 5, meets the government’s transitional arrangements for its new plans “while crucially taking account of the views of residents who want to see sustainable levels of housing come forward in the district”.
“Between 2015 and 2024, 11,039 new homes have already been provided in Cherwell and there are 6,791 homes with planning permission which are yet to be built.”
He added that the consultation would open shortly.
West Oxfordshire District Council aims to release its local plan in the new year.
A spokesperson said: “Building more affordable homes and responding to the climate and biodiversity emergencies are key priorities for this council.
“Through the new Local Plan we are creating, we will be looking to maximise building more affordable homes so that we have the right homes, in the right places.
“We will also be doing more to both protect and enhance our environment.”
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About the author
Esme is a Local Democracy Reporter covering politics, planning and council meetings across the county.
She joined the Oxford Mail in October 2024 after completing a Master’s in Journalism at the University of Sheffield.
Esme achieved a BA in History at Cambridge University before going down the journalism path.
She can be found on X by searching @esme_kenney.