Oxford City Council is inviting residents, businesses, visitors and local organisations to share their views on a new Conservation Area Appraisal for Walton Manor in North Oxford.
Oxford’s heritage is rich and diverse, spanning many historical periods and architectural styles. Across the city, 18 Conservation Areas have been identified as having “special architectural or historic interest” worthy of protection and enhancement. Conservation Area Appraisals play a key role in safeguarding these places by outlining their history and identifying the features that make them distinctive, from landscape and townscape to architecture and cultural heritage.
The draft Walton Manor Conservation Area Appraisal marks an important milestone, as the area does not currently have a document defining its character and significance. The appraisal aims to address this by providing a comprehensive understanding of the area and setting out plans to guide future change in a way that conserves and enhances its qualities.
Public consultation
Oxford City Council is launching a public consultation to gather feedback on the draft appraisal. Responses will help shape the final document, ensuring it reflects the views and knowledge of those who live in, work in, or care about Walton Manor.
All feedback will be reviewed and used to refine the appraisal. A final version will be published on the Oxford City Council website. Once adopted, the appraisal will serve as an important guide and will be used in planning decisions affecting the area.
The appraisal will also form part of the city’s wider heritage evidence base, informing the Local Plan as well as future policies and guidance.
The development of the appraisal has been led by the Council’s Urban Design and Heritage team, working closely with the Walton Manor Residents’ Association.
The Council is keen to hear from a wide range of stakeholders, including:
- residents and community groups
- businesses and property owners within the area
- heritage experts
- organisations with an interest in conservation and urban design
The draft Conservation Area Appraisal will be available to view on the Oxford City Council website, and a physical copy will be available in Oxford Town Hall.
Feedback will be gathered through an online questionnaire. In addition, an in-person event will be held at the North Parade Market, on Saturday 22 August between 10am and 2pm.This session will provide an opportunity for face-to-face discussion with officers about the appraisal.
Comment
“Walton Manor is a much-valued part of Oxford with a distinct character shaped by its history, architecture and community. This appraisal is an important step in recognising what makes the area special and ensuring that future change is managed sensitively. We’ve also made efforts to make guidance around retrofit and fitting solar panels and EV chargers clearer. We want to hear from as many people as possible so that the final document reflects local knowledge, experience and ambition. I encourage everyone with an interest in Walton Manor to take part in the consultation and help shape its future.”
Councillor Anna Railton, Cabinet Member for Planning and Zero Carbon Oxford
The consultation is now live and runs until 8 September 2026.
