Oxford City Council publishes first draft of Oxford Local Plan 2042

The strategic document will underpin all planning decisions in Oxford until 2042. It will help to shape how the city of Oxford tackles our housing crisis, supports our economy, reduces carbon emissions, and supports the diverse communities and neighbourhoods.  It aims to make our city more equal and more resilient. 

It will do this by ensuring: 

• 40% affordable housing in developments of 10 or more homes, with a priority on social rent
• more flexibility and opportunities in neighbourhoods and district centres 
• all potential development options are assessed, including looking at potential for development of the least valued parts of the Green Belt; maps of potential sites and areas of search will be available during the consultation
• developments must include more trees, hedges and other green features as well as biodiversity net gain
• affordable workspace strategies for key employment sites to encourage a diverse economy
• all large developments to include Community Employment and Procurement Plans that promote local jobs and supply chains
• all new buildings are net zero carbon in operation from the start of the plan 

Subject to Cabinet approval on 18 June, the draft will go out to public consultation from 27 June to 8 August 2025.  

The feedback received during this time will help shape the second draft of the plan, which the Council aims to run public consultation on later this year before submitting the final draft to the Government for examination. 

The full draft Local Plan 2042 is available on the Council’s website.  

Comment 

“We’ve set out a vision for Oxford in the Draft Local Plan 2042: one that tackles our housing crisis, addresses inequalities across our communities and responds to the climate crisis, all the while respecting the city’s heritage.  

“The Local Plan 2042 will sit at the core of all planning decisions, so we need to get it right. When the consultation opens, we want you to have your say and tell us if we're heading in the right direction. 

“This plan matters. It will shape how Oxford grows over the next two decades - what gets built, where, and how we support a fairer, more sustainable future.” 

Councillor Alex Hollingsworth, Cabinet Member for Planning and Culture 

Oxford Local Plan 2042 

Tackling Oxford’s housing crisis 

There is an urgent need for new homes in Oxford. The current housing crisis means rental and purchase prices are well above average and out of reach for many, forcing too many people out of the city. This is projected to worsen in the coming decades if there is no action. However, the city’s boundaries and environmental constraints there is not enough available land to meet demand. To address this, the draft Local Plan 2042: 

•  must investigate all potential development opportunities, including small pockets of Green Belt that meet specific criteria. In Oxford, the majority of Green Belt areas are protected as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) or flood plains and have already been ruled out leaving a limited amount to be investigated. Maps showing the areas being considered for more detailed assessment will be published during the consultation 
• includes options for site allocations and Areas of Focus, which, alongside policies requiring efficient use of land, mean more parts of the city are likely to see redevelopment and densification  
• continue to allow for changes of use, such as house building, on employment sites 
• proposes 40% of new developments, with more than 10 homes, should be affordable. 

Since the publication of the Local Plan 2036, the government rightly requires all councils to use a ‘Standard Method’ to calculate housing need. For Oxford, the Standard Method is 1,087 homes a year. Because of the city’s tight boundaries and limited number of developable sites because of flood zone or SSSI protection the Council believes that not all of this need will be met inside Oxford. At this stage, the Council will put forward an interim capacity of only 493 homes per year while further investigation is ongoing.  

Creating a fairer economy that works for everyone 

Oxford is home to world-leading industries and technologies, with growth already happening across all sectors. The Council’s goal is to support this growth in a sustainable way that benefits everyone in the city. The draft Local Plan 2042 aims to do this while balancing other priorities, particularly housing, by proposing: 

• all large development sites must deliver Community Employment and Procurement Plans (CEPPs) to promote jobs and apprenticeships for local people, and use of local businesses and suppliers 
• employment sites must provide an affordable workspace strategy to support a diverse range of businesses 
• key employment sites outside of the city and district centres are protected for their importance to the economy 
• within the city centre and district centres, there is full flexibility of use – for example an office block could be converted into residential as long as decent standards are met. 

Tackling the climate and biodiversity crisis 

In January 2019, Oxford declared a climate emergency. Since then, the Council has worked to tackle the climate emergency, reduce carbon emissions and empower residents to take action. The Local Plan 2042 will ensure this work remains a priority. The draft plan proposes: 

• all new buildings are net zero carbon in operation by the time the plan is adopted. 
• supporting and making easier the retrofitting of existing buildings to reduce carbon emissions, including better insulation and energy upgrades 
• green spaces are protected and new developments must include more trees, hedges and other green features 
• new buildings must be designed to cope with extreme weather and future climate risks, including flooding and overheating 
• sustainable drainage and protection of air, water and soil to protect public health and the environment. 

Supporting strong communities 

The Local Plan 2042 will support strong, welcoming communities where everyone has a fair chance to thrive. People will have equal access to housing, jobs, healthcare, green spaces, leisure, and a shared sense of pride in the city’s heritage and culture. It will ensure Oxford is a place where communities are supported to grow, connect, and shape the future together. To do this, the draft proposes: 

• to protect local centres and encourage new facilities and services in already accessible locations, making it easier for people to combine trips and access nearby shops and amenities 
• policy on car parking aims to reduce car dependency and create safer, more attractive spaces for walking and cycling 
• high-quality urban design to make developments accessible and enjoyable for everyone 
• an updated Infrastructure Delivery Plan to identify the extra services needed to support new development — from school places and health services to walking and cycling routes 
• all new developments must respect Oxford’s heritage, including its iconic skyline and historic views, and contribute positively to the city’s character and identity. 

Next steps 

The draft Oxford Local Plan 2042 will be considered by the Council’s Cabinet on 18 June. If approved, public consultation will run from 27 June to 8 August. 

Feedback from this consultation will help shape the next version of the plan, which the Council aims to consult on by the end of the year before submitting it to the Planning Inspectorate for examination. 

The Local Plan 2042 will eventually replace the current Oxford Local Plan 2036. Once adopted, it will become the legal basis for determining planning applications in Oxford. 

Oxford residents, businesses and community organisations are encouraged to read the draft plan and have their say by visiting the City Council’s website from 27 June.