Following two public consultations, South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District councils are planning to submit a housing and environmental ahead of schedule.
The councils have been working on the Joint Local Plan over the last three years and received a Highly Commended award at the Planning Resource Awards 2024.
The plan aims to meet the housing and infrastructure needs of the communities and deliver on the council's commitment to tackle the climate emergency and promote nature recovery.
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 Joint Local Plan 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."
The councils said there has been a "hugely positive response" from communities and businesses to the proposals, and they are nearly ready to submit the joint plan to be examined.
They anticipate it will be ready to submit in December, four months earlier than previously thought.
In preparation, the councils have updated the Local Development Scheme document.
This provides a timeline for the work and is accessible on the councils' websites.
In the coming weeks, the councils will make public the proposed Joint Local Plan alongside relevant supporting documents and evidence on which the plan is based.
The public will be given a six-week period to voice their opinions on whether they think the plan meets all the relevant technical requirements.
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."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel