NPPF

The new Government are committed to producing a revised NPPF reflecting the “top down” approach they intend to apply to set the bar for planning reforms. A consultation document is now available for the NPPF revisions and the devil is the detail and the intent from the written and delivered statement

ONPA are preparing a response over the next few weeks for member comment and plan a live event on October 12th to discuss the implications in respect of the role and significance of Neighbourhood Planning

(ONPA Executive Member Graeme Markland did put together a helpful analysis and summary of his thoughts on the last NPPF )

LOCAL PLANS

Authorities without up to date Local Plans are increasingly under scrutiny based on delivery, targets and general performance. The big question is what is exactly meant by “up to date” and how that impacts with both made Neighbourhood Plans and reviewed NP’s? We know this will result in changes to the Basic Conditions that must be applied in NP examination procedure

There are many consultations now taking place across our five Districts. For a quick look at LP2041 Preferences consultation, take a look at this helpful YouTube video . The CPRE views can be seen as another guide and opinion and their response to NPPF proposals has been timely

HOUSING TARGETS

1.5 million new homes in five years requires considerable input to be achievable! The Government are likely to pursue both a“quick win” and “longer term” strategy which will increase differing pressures and generate a great deal of controversy - there is a possibility that Neighbourhood Plan policies may gain even greater strength in accepting growth or defending growth where infrastructure does not support it. Take a look at the Housing Needs Survey for South & Vale as published in November 2023 - will this and similar for the other districts require updating and what will be the impact in Oxfordshire? Targets aim for over 1,500 extra homes a year in Oxfordshire and across the South East, the target has shifted from 51,251 new homes a year to 69,060 homes. Take a look at a possible projection on “New Town” location or by clicking the “What’s being said” button

**The Dorchester Group have commenced a planning application for 6000 homes at Heyford Park with surrounding Parishes impacted

GREEN BELT - GREEN OR “GREY”?

LPA’s are being told to review their Green Belt land and this is a key consideration for NP’s in Oxfordshire that include Green Belt and there will undoubtedly be a hard fought battle in respect of implementation. Many Parishes have Green Belt considerations and we encourage everyone to respond - it is well worth reading the points made by the Chairman of the Oxford Green Belt Network

ENERGY, CLIMATE CHANGE & DESIGN

All increased aspects of great community interest balancing the policy of achieving economic growth, housing in the right places and allowing affordable and social housing to expand, and to address shortages whilst protecting the rural patterns across our County. How about the necessary infrastructure? New Solar Farm projects abound with controversy over the legality of recently approved projects for Ed Milliband

(note the “WHAT’S BEING SAID” BUTTON , HOT TOPICS & KEY EVENTS links ABOVE for more info)