Our Response to the Regulation 19 Local Plan 2042 Consultation:
1. Green Setting of the city of Oxford
We support that no new sites have been allocated within the immediate green setting of Oxford, though sites allocated within Part 1 of the Local Plan’s Partial Review (2020) are being retained. We would like to see more detail and guidance within these Partial Review Policies to ensure any permitted development does not harm Oxford’s wider historic green setting.
2. Preservation and enhancement of the Green Belt
The commitment to maintaining the existing boundaries of the Oxford Green Belt set out in Policy COM 12 is positive. We support that this has been clearly set out in planning policy for the forthcoming plan period. It is essential that the green belt is protected and not eroded away by further site allocations to prevent urban sprawl. The green ‘gap’ between Oxford and Kidlington is very important in preventing the merging of these two settlements.
3. Protection of special longer distance views
Some consideration for views had been made in Policies COM 10 and COM 27, but these do not specifically address the sensitivity of Oxford’s protected views. An independent policy explicit on the significance of longer distance views from Oxford to the surrounding green setting and visa versa would support the sensitive development of strategic site areas located in the immediate green setting of Oxford.
4. Strategic approach to renewable energy schemes
We support the importance which Policy CSD 6 places on productive agricultural land, the openness of the Green Belt and the historic environment. Designating land for renewable energy production requires a strategic district wide approach, we support studies being carried out to identify areas of potential suitability for wind energy development. We recommend that this holistic approach is also used to identify land suitable for Solar Photovoltaic development rather than the current piecemeal speculative approach.
5. The Duty to Cooperate
The Interim Duty to Cooperate Statement provides evidence of the extensive consultation which this Local Plan has undergone. Cooperation between the neighbouring authorities is critical in delivering a strategic approach which will result in aligned priorities and the delivery and protection of needed infrastructure and resources across District boundaries.