Oxford City Council has announced the last month for residents to participate in consultations regarding the Oxford Local Plan 2040, a blueprint for the city’s development until 2040. This critical plan aims to address the housing crisis by detailing the construction of 9,612 homes, along with initiatives to combat the climate emergency and promote social equity in Oxford.

The first consultation invites final public feedback on whether the submission draft and its policies map align with the National Planning Policy Framework’s soundness criteria. Concurrently, a second consultation focuses on revising the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) charging schedule, which is a development fee used to fund infrastructure supporting new homes and businesses.

The council is proposing an increase in CIL rates for specific developments, such as office and lab spaces, reflecting the city’s economic growth over the last decade. Residents can access the draft Local Plan 2040 and related documents on the council’s website, as well as view physical copies at various local venues including Oxford Town Hall and several libraries.

The deadline for the two eight-week consultations is 5 January 2024. Responses can be submitted online, via email, or in writing. This consultation phase also allows residents to request the right to be heard by government planning inspectors during the public examination of the Local Plan 2040.

Following the consultation period, the council will submit the draft plans and all received comments to the Planning Inspectorate for approval in early 2024. A public inspection will follow, and if approved, the plan and CIL charges could be adopted in summer 2025.

Councillor Louise Upton, cabinet member for Planning and Healthier Communities, urges residents to participate in shaping the future of Oxford, highlighting the plan’s balanced approach to addressing housing, climate, and community support, while ensuring businesses contribute fairly to the city’s infrastructure.