Chipping Norton Times - Issue 26 - November 2012 (PDF)

Residents Views sought on draft
Local Plan for West Oxfordshire
Residents will be asked to give their views on the latest draft
proposals setting out how West Oxfordshire could develop over
the next 17 years. The latest proposals replace the Council's
previously published draft Core Strategy, which had set out
development proposals until 2026.
The District Council's Cabinet has agreed the draft Local Plan for
the public consultation and the public will be asked for their
feedback during six weeks of consultation, scheduled to start
early November.
The draft Local Plan contains proposals for housing and
economic growth, services and facilities such as schools to
support this growth, the environment and transport, until
2029.
In-depth investigations have been carried out into possible
development sites and supporting infrastructure, and all
feedback gained from previous proposals has been taken into
consideration to help shape the latest draft proposals.
Cllr Warwick Robinson, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning
and Housing, said: "We have now reached a key stage in this
process and believe that this draft Local Plan strikes a balance
between the requirement to accommodate growth and
stimulate economic activity, with the need to protect and,
wherever possible, enhance West Oxfordshire's distinct and
beautiful environment.
"We encourage residents to give us their views on the proposals
contained within the draft Plan. All feedback will be considered
and will help us to move forward with a finalised plan."
Copies of the draft Local Plan and supporting background
information will be made available online, see Draft Local Plan or
www.westoxon.gov.uk/draftlocalplan, at the District Council
offices, the Town Centre Shop in Witney and in all local libraries.
Public exhibitions will be held in Witney and Carterton/Brize
Norton and further details about these will be made available on
the Council's website as soon as possible.
The draft plan sets out proposals for 5,500 new homes and
employment sites in West Oxfordshire over the next 17 years. In
addition, it looks in detail at 'infrastructure' (i.e. roads and
transport, schools and leisure facilities) to accommodate this
growth and enhance local areas.
In the main areas earmarked for growth - Witney, Carterton and,
to a lesser extent, Chipping Norton - specific schemes, including
road improvements, will be secured as part of the development.
In Witney, there are plans for a further 1,950 homes, with 1,000
to the west of the town which will also include a minimum 10
hectares of employment land, new primary school and the
construction of a 4-way junction from Downs Road to the A40 to
improve transport links. A further 300 homes are suggested for
the east of the town within the 'Cogges Triangle' only, on land
previously reserved for the Cogges Link Road. This would bring
improvements to road connections with a condition set for
development of west-facing slip roads at the Shore's Green
junction onto the A40, as well as a contribution towards
increased primary school capacity. The draft also sets
out the need for transport improvements in the Ducklington
Lane/Station Lane area, retail, leisure, affordable housing,
allotments and housing for older people in Witney.
In Carterton, there are proposals for 1,850 new homes, including
400 within the town centre on land previously used for military
housing (REEMA North and Central), 700 to the east of the town
and the remainder through other smaller sites and those already
with planning permission. The east development would include
a 'green buffer' to minimise the impact on Brize Norton and
provide an opportunity to extend Kilkenny Lane Country Park.
The plan aims to improve transport connections, including the
Shilton Road link, as well as pedestrian, cycling and public
transport facilities, including potential for a cycleway between
Carterton and Witney. It also includes a new primary school as
part of the east development and contributions towards the
second phase of Carterton Leisure Centre.
In Chipping Norton, there are plans for 600 homes in the local
area, including some already with permission with the
remainder to be delivered primarily through the Chipping
Norton Neighbourhood Plan. Proposals include allocation of 5
hectares of employment land, potential for improved shopping
and community facilities on land between High Street and Albion
Street, and improvements to pedestrian, cycle and public
transport links including a rail bus to Kingham Station.
The draft Local Plan includes proposals for about 800 homes
elsewhere in the district, to meet local housing need as well as
the provision of additional business development land to help
stimulate economic growth.
Importantly, it sets out guidelines to ensure sustainable
development, addressing issues such as affordable housing,
climate change and flood risk, and enhancing the local
environment. After the public consultation period ends, all
feedback will be considered and it is hoped a final plan can be
agreed by the Council and submitted to the Government next
year, and then adopted in 2014.
Thermal imaging surveys
West Oxfordshire District Council is working with community
groups to re-launch the thermal imaging project following its
successful introduction last winter.
A free scheme is available to help residents find out where heat
is escaping from their home, get advice on how to make
improvements and save money on energy bills.
Using a thermal imaging camera, a trained volunteer can survey
your home and capture images (like those pictured below) to
show where energy is being wasted.
Surveys will be carried out October - March, when you are using
your heating. You will receive a report with recom-mendations
advising on cost-effective ways to prevent or reduce heat loss,
such as draught proofing and insulation.
For information about the project, including how to book a free
survey or volunteer, look at the WODC websitewww.westoxon.gov.uk
or call 01993 861000.
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