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West End Area Action Plan formally adopted

Released on 1 Jul 2008

Oxford City Council formally adopted the Oxford West End Area Action Plan (AAP) on Monday 30 June 2008.

The AAP provides the framework for Oxford's West End Renaissance, which is set to transform a currently under-used area of Oxford into a vibrant, modern and stylish city quarter. Shops, restaurants and offices will be located alongside homes, new public squares and educational and leisure facilities.

The formal adoption of the AAP means that all planning applications in the West End will be assessed against the policies and proposals laid out in the document. This will ensure high quality design, social and environmental sustainability, and consideration of the area's heritage.

Councillor Colin Cook, City Development Board Member for Oxford City Council, said, "This is an exciting time for Oxford. The West End is badly in need of regeneration, and the formal adoption of the Area Action Plan brings good news for the City centre.

"Residents, workers, and visitors to the City will be able to enjoy relaxing in new open spaces, better shopping facilities, improved riverside walks, and new networks of cycle paths and pedestrian routes, to name but a few of the positive things planned for the area."

Michael Crofton-Briggs, Oxford City Council's Head of City Development, said, "I am pleased that the West End Area Action Plan has now been formally adopted and we look forward to working in partnership with land owners and developers to create a vibrant and successful West End."

The West End Area Action Plan was prepared after extensive consultation with the public, and was submitted to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government on 15 June 2007. The final Inspector's report, received on 28th April 2008, concluded that the West End AAP was sound, subject to recommended changes being incorporated before its formal adoption on 30 June 2008.

The AAP presents a detailed vision for the Oxford West End Renaissance, whilst also highlighting key areas for focus, including: historic, social and environmental responsibilities; community involvement; sustainability; infrastructure requirements; and affordable housing.

For more information about the Oxford West End Renaissance, and the West End Area Action Plan, please visit the Oxford West End website.

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