Consultation reopens on 20-year plan impacting residents and businesses in Thame
Neighbouring councils are seeking more feedback on their official plan for the region which will impact households in Thame.
South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils’ reopened consultation on its Joint Local Plan that will guide infrastructure and home-building decisions until 2045.
The councils will outline how new housing and commercial development can be created within the region while meeting the future needs of people living and working in the area.
Currently, the authorities want to know what communities, businesses and the planning industry think the plan should include.
At this stage the councils have not revealed any proposed policies or strategies. They say this is because the plan is still at an early development stage.
The consultation was opened yesterday and runs until September 29. Feedback can be provided online by following this link.
A new plan is being developed as per demands from the current Government. Developments and major projects within the plan have to follow new Government requirements of preparing, examining and adopting plans in 30 months.
The councils’ first Joint Local Plan is currently being examined by government-appointed inspectors. It has been revealed that the plan was submitted to the Central Government in December 2024.
South Oxfordshire District Councillor Anne-Marie Simpson said: “This initial consultation is one of the first steps in a long journey ahead – I encourage people to find out more and have their say on what they think our next plan should include. “Although it might seem unusual to start a new plan whilst the first plan is still being examined, due to new government regulations we have to prepare ourselves for the next local plan. Many other councils around the country preparing their last plan under the previous arrangements are in the same position as us – so we are by no means unique in running two plans simultaneously.”
The plan will impact households all the way from Faringdon to Henley-on-Thames. Vale of White Horse District Councillor Andy Foulsham added: “Our first joint local plan is robust, innovative, forward-thinking and based on strong community engagement. We want our next plan to match this – which is why it is important for local people to get involved at this early consultation stage and let us know their thoughts.”