Posts by Nemone Caldwell
“Greater Oxford” Proposal Threatens the Green Belt and Ignores the Bigger Picture
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…
Read MoreThames Water’s flawed megaproject moves forward unchecked – but it’s not over yet
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…
Read MoreOxfordshire Unitary Authorities: 3 Proposals
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…
Read MoreTwo Local Plans now Live
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…
Read MoreThames Water proposals for Oxfordshire mega-reservoir hit with Judicial Review
On 25-26 June the High Court will hear a Judicial Review case, brought by CPRE Oxfordshire and campaign group SAFERWaters, against Thames Water’s plans for a £2.6 billion mega-reservoir. We believe that the reservoir, which would be the second-largest in England and cover an area the size of Gatwick Airport, is completely un-necessary, will devastate…
Read More“Land Behind the Moors” Green Belt land under threat in Kidlington
***UPDATE*** Consultation has now closed. You can read our response here. The target decision date is currently 21st August, although may be put back due to the extended consultation period. Please check back for more news as it comes. A planning application has been submitted for 340 houses on Green Belt land known as the…
Read MoreNeal Coleman announced to lead Oxford Growth Commission
Regeneration expert Neale Coleman CBE has been appointed as Chair of the Oxford Growth Commission with plans to “to accelerate plans for new housing, jobs and infrastructure across the city”. We were disappointed to see that his appointment letter focuses on growth at all costs, referring to “Oxford’s ambitions for economic growth” without a single…
Read MoreCPRE Oxfordshire speaks up against Botley West
This week, the Planning Inspectorate’s six-month examination of Botley West Solar Farm kicked off with 3 days of open floor hearings. Having registered as an Interested Party, yesterday CPRE Director, Lisa Warne, stood to deliver our statement, criticising the plans for their short-sightedness concerning land use, highlighting the impact the development would have on flooding,…
Read MoreCPRE Oxfordshire AGM 2025 – Sat 7th June
2pm, Saturday 7th JuneEynsham Village Hall, 46 Back Lane, Eynsham, Oxfordshire OX29 4QW Please join us to hear all the latest news and views on CPRE Oxfordshire’s campaigns and activities over the last year and what we have planned for the future. After the AGM, we are delighted that our speaker will be Catriona Bass from…
Read MoreOur response to the Land Use Consultation
The Land Use Consultation closes tomorrow so now is your last chance to have your say on how this precious and finite resource is managed. CPRE Oxfordshire is calling for a more strategic, spatially mapped approach to identify where land is best suited for renewable energy, housing, nature recovery, wildlife-friendly farming, intensive agriculture, forestry, and…
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