Archive for July 2025

A development-led power shift could risk Oxfordshire’s countryside, climate goals, and community voice. CPRE Oxfordshire is raising serious concerns over the “Greater Oxford” unitary authority proposal, which would swallow up large parts of the Oxford Green Belt — a landscape specifically protected to prevent urban sprawl and preserve the city’s unique character. The proposal, put…

This week the High Court dismissed our challenge of the government’s decision not to hold a public inquiry into the controversial Abingdon Reservoir, part of Thame’s Water’s Water Resource Management Plan (WRMP), despite concerns about lack of transparency, ecological risk, misleading forecasts and financial recklessness. The decision follows a 2-day Judicial Review brought by SAFERWaterS…

The government has asked for proposals nationally for unitary authorities across the country. In Oxfordshire there will be 3 proposals for the Government to review and make a final decision on. The options are: This is Oxfordshire County Council’s preferred option and details can be found on their website here. This is South Oxfordshire, Vale…

Two Local Plan consultations, for Oxford City and West Oxfordshire, are now “Live” and CPRE Oxfordshire have a busy summer ahead, making sure we contribute actively to ensure ongoing policy which supports a thriving countryside. Oxford City Having had its previous plan rejected by the Inspectors last year, Oxford City Council has issued a new…