West Oxfordshire District Council is asking for comments on a major new strategy outlining how the district could develop over the next 15 years.
The council has published a Core Strategy Preferred Approach consultation document that lays out the broad locations for new homes, jobs and infrastructure such as new roads and schools. This includes:
At least another 1,500 homes in Witney, with 1,000 of those in the Downs Road area west of the town along with new schools, open space and community and leisure facilities as well as a new business area.
A development of about 1,000 homes to the east or west of Carterton, with improved local facilities in the town centre.
Another 400 homes proposed for Chipping Norton with 200 in the London Road area, with new health care and education facilities and new businesses. Extra shopping and community facilities are also earmarked for the town centre on land between the High Street and Albion Street.
The report looks at how the district will meet Government housing targets between now and 2026, with locations for 3,200 homes to be identifed.
Councillor Warwick Robinson, Cabinet Member for Planning said: “The Government not only sets the target number of new homes needed for West Oxfordshire but also approves the final plan.
“We want to make sure that anyone who wishes is able to make comment through this consultation. There are some difficult decisions to be made and we need to know that all the possible options for the future have been fully investigated before we finalise our Plan ready for submission to Government later this year.”
The public consultation runs until March 22, with a number of exhibitions taking place around the district.
To comment on the plans online, visit www.westoxon.gov.uk/planning
