Published: Wednesday, 30 June 2021

Oxford City Council has a question for everyone in Oxford – what do you think our city should look like in 2040?

The council has started work on the new Oxford Local Plan 2040 that will guide Oxford’s development over the next 20 years.

The Local Plan 2040 is a step forward from the Local Plan 2036 that was adopted last year. It will also take into account the Oxfordshire Plan 2050, which will provide a strategic planning framework for all Oxfordshire councils to deliver the homes and infrastructure needed across the county.

The Local Plan 2040 will set out how and where new new homes, jobs and community facilities will be delivered to make Oxford a better place to live, work and visit. It will also protect the world-famous heritage and the parks, green spaces and waterways that make Oxford special.

This is a time of uncertainty and change, with recovery from the pandemic and the climate emergency posing global challenges. Key local issues include meeting the need for more affordable homes and building on Oxford’s international track record in research and innovation to deliver sustainable jobs for future generations.

The council has started to identify issues the Local Plan 2040 could address and wants people to be involved from an early stage in shaping the future of Oxford. It has therefore launched a first round of public consultation to help develop a vision for the next 20 years.

Consultation is now open and will run until 25 August.

Take part

The council is delivering consultation questionnaires to every address in Oxford, which can be returned by post. The questionnaire is also available for completion on our Local Plan 2040 webpages.

Next steps

This is the first stage in the development of the Local Plan 2040 and there will be more opportunities to get involved over the next couple of years.

Further public involvement and engagement will follow during 2022, leading to the production of a draft Local Plan for consultation in 2023.

Comment

“We’re starting work on our Local Plan 2040. This will build upon the Local Plan 2036 adopted last year and will set out our priorities for housing, jobs and community facilities over the next 20 years.

“The Local Plan 2040 will also take into account the work we’re undertaking with other local councils to develop the Oxfordshire Plan 2050, which will create a common planning framework for homes and infrastructure across our county.

“How would you like to see your city change? What would you like to stay the same? The Local Plan sets out how and where new development will go – not just what will be allowed, but what will not.

“So please, get involved. Have your say and help us shape the future of Oxford.”

Councillor Alex Hollingsworth, Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing Delivery

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