The next steps for Councils’ Joint Local Plan
Published 16 August 2024
Following two hugely successful public consultations, which saw South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District councils receive a Highly Commended award at the Planning Resource Awards 2024, the councils have now set out the next steps for their Joint Local Plan (JLP).
Over the past three years, the councils have been working positively on a plan that meets the needs for homes and infrastructure for the districts’ communities and delivers on the councils’ commitment to tackling the climate emergency and recovery of nature.
There has so far been a hugely positive response from local communities and businesses to the proposals and now the councils are nearly ready to submit the joint plan to be examined – anticipating it being ready to submit in December 2024, four months earlier than previously thought.
In preparation, the councils have updated a document known as the Local Development Scheme that sets out the timetable for this work, which is now available on the councils’ websites:
In a few weeks, the councils will publish the proposed Joint Local Plan, along with the relevant supporting documents and the evidence the plan is based on. The public will have a 6-week opportunity to comment on whether they think the plan meets all the relevant technical requirements.
Councillor David Rouane, Leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “Huge thanks are due to everyone who took the time to get involved in our previous two Joint Local Plan consultations. The JLP is one of the most important documents we deliver as a council and has a lasting impact on our community.
“We are now striving to submit it as soon as possible as we recognise the importance of ensuring that any development is properly planned. Look out for when we publish in a few weeks’ time when there will be a further opportunity to comment, albeit at a more technical level at this stage.”
Councillor Andy Foulsham, Cabinet Member for Policy and Programmes at Vale of White Horse District Council, said:
“I’d like to thank everyone who has taken the time over the past three years to take part in this process and give us their thoughts on what matters to them, and their views and opinions on our proposals. The value of this extensive feedback means the plan truly reflects our community’s needs, so we sincerely thank everyone who gave up their time to review our plans and share their thoughts.
“I’m pleased we are now in a position to bring our submission forward, with an ambitious target of the end of this year.”
Find out more about the Joint Local Plan here.
To receive updates on the Joint Local Plan, please register your details using our consultation sign up form.
