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 was available for the NPPF revisions and the devil is in the detail and the intent from the written and delivered statement - many thousands of responses have been evidently been made! See what the VoWH response said by clicking the “whats being said~ button as one LPA response - our colleagues at Community First Oxfordshire sent this detailed response

ONPA submitted our response and this was the main topic at our event on October 12th, discussing the implications in respect of the role and significance of Neighbourhood Planning. We had previously sought a response from the Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner (see “Whats being said button!”) and a reply received!

(ONPA Executive Member Graeme Markland did put together a helpful analysis and summary of his thoughts on the last NPPF in 2023) - go to Events to see and hear more from our recent meeting

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

See our Local Plans page for more - big news is the rejection of the Oxford City draft Local Plan by the examining inspectors - raising issues over unmet need and the duty to cooperate (see Key Dates entry for links)

Did you know - Oxfordshire’s population is likely to be 856,000 by 2035 - Oxfordshire County Council are inceasingly becoming involved in Neighbourhood Planning through topics such as healthcare, living well, active and other travel and communications - and to keep 5500 staff busy. OCC have produced a very helpful toolkit aimed at communities wanting information on how public health links with Neighbourhood Plans

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)