Local Plans: An Update on the Districts
15th October 2026
Our planning team and volunteers continue to engage with local authorities across Oxfordshire, advocating for the protection of the countryside, appropriate use of brownfield land and infrastructure that keeps pace with development. Here’s the latest from across the county.
Oxford City
The first stage of hearings on the Oxford City Local Plan is scheduled for 21–23 October, with further sessions planned for November. Having contributed throughout the plan’s development, CPRE Oxfordshire will be represented at the hearings to put forward our views. We continue to argue that more of the city’s brownfield employment sites should be considered for housing, helping to meet housing needs while reducing pressure on the surrounding countryside.
Cherwell
The situation in Cherwell remains concerning. Following the council’s designation as being in default, larger planning applications can now be referred directly to the Secretary of State for decision and we are already seeing increasing pressure on the Green Belt and countryside from speculative applications and appeals.
Our volunteers have been working tirelessly to respond to these proposals, with support from CPRE Oxfordshire. Although the emerging Local Plan is not perfect, it would provide protection for some vulnerable sites. We are therefore urging progress towards its adoption as soon as possible and stand ready to support the process. In the meantime:
Land Behind the Moors, Kidlington: An appeal concerning this valued Green Belt site, next to the historic St Mary’s Church, is due to begin on 17 November. The appeal will be held at the council offices in Banbury, with online streaming also planned. Updates will be available from the campaign group’s Facebook page, LandBehindTheMoors Appeal Information.
South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse
Following recent hearing sessions on the Joint Local Plan, we await news of the next steps.
Meanwhile, both councils have begun an initial consultation on the next Local Plan, which will cover the period to 2045. New government regulations require them to prepare this alongside the current plan, a process known as twin-tracking.
In our response, we emphasised three priorities: protecting and enhancing the countryside, taking meaningful action on the climate emergency, and ensuring essential infrastructure is in place before development proceeds.
We are also monitoring proposals for Cearn Solar Farm and have attended initial consultation events.
West Oxfordshire
We have recently responded to the West Oxfordshire Reg 19 consultation, the final stage of consultation before the Plan goes to the Inspectors for review and adoption.
Reviewing the council’s response to our earlier Regulation 18 submission, we are pleased to see some important progress. Although the government’s high housing targets remain unchanged, the plan now places greater emphasis on “Infrastructure before Expansion”, particularly regarding sewerage and wastewater capacity.
We want to see this commitment strengthened further. Our latest response calls for clear wording to ensure that planning permission cannot be granted unless the necessary infrastructure is provided in advance of development.
Across Oxfordshire, we will continue to challenge proposals that threaten our countryside and press for planning that puts nature, climate action and the needs of local communities at its heart.