Planning happens at 3 levels: national (England) Local (Cherwell) and Neighbourhood (Bloxham)
For the past several years Bloxham has been largely shielded from inappropriate development by the Bloxham Neighbourhood Development Plan (BNDP) however…..
When a higher level plan changes the lower level one is required to adapt to comply with the strategic policies within the higher plan.
Just such a situation now exists as Cherwell review their Cherwell Local Plan. Such a review offers local landowners another opportunity to offer land to be considered for development.
Unsurprisingly this is what is currently happening – see yellow areas on map below. (Note – this does not mean such offers are currently approved,)
Once the Cherwell Local Plan Review (LPR) becomes valid we will have little option other than to adapt our Neighbourhood Plan to be consistent with any strategic policies contained within the LPR.
To protect our village from inappropriate development you need to respond to the current Local Plan Consultation!
The Cherwell District Council Local Plan Review Options Consultation Paper for public consultation is available here. The document is a rather intimidating 181 pages but much of the relevant matters on rural housing can be found in half a dozen pages if you scroll through it.
Your comments on the Options Consultation Paper and the interim Sustainability Appraisal Report can be sent to planningpolicyconsultation@cherwell-dc.gov.uk
Such responses do have to be based upon real arguments of unsustainability – not just, “We’ve had our share of new houses!” Although a little out of date, You might find the BNDP Sustainablility Report (especially p23-) a good source of arguments.
We also recommend you keep an eye on the Bloxham Parish Council website which provides more detail and is a site where you can stay aware of the developing situation. (Yes – pun intended!)
