Nothing stands still and Bloxham will inevitably continue to develop whether we wish it to or not.
A Neighbourhood Plan is a legal document that sets out how residents want the village to develop over the coming 10 or so years.
It’s mostly about the use of land to provide appropriate types and styles of houses and businesses but is also about linking development to positive outcomes for utilities, schools, health and recreation.
With a Neighbourhood Plan – although we must still accommodate the minimum number of new homes specified in the Cherwell Local Plan – we can specify a cap on numbers and have a considerable say as to the nature, style and impact of new developments.
Without a Neighbourhood Plan we are basically entrusting Cherwell District Council and developers to shape the future of our village for us.
A neighbourhood plan belongs to all residents so be sure to have your say.
Around 250 residents attended a successful Launch Meeting on 12th February at Warriner School where they fully endorsed the proposal from the Parish Council to move forward with a Neighbourhood Plan.
Over 70 volunteered to help in various ways and at a meeting in Bloxham Mill early in March a structure of working groups was agreed as the way to tackle the task.
You can keep in touch with how things are progressing via the Parish Council website or FaceBook pages. You will also find regular updates in the Bloxham Broadsheet or its partner the Bloxham Broadsheet online.
It is hoped to have a stall at BloxFest where you can find out more, contribute your views or maybe even offer to help. Your village : your choice!
John Groves (Neighbourhood Plan Coordinator.)

Stop-Press The Bloxham Neighbourhood Plan now has its own website with lots of information for those who are engaged in helping put the plan together.