Regulation 19 Consultation of the Oxford City Council Local Plan 2045
We have asked Oxford City Council to make changes to its proposed approach to housing, transport, infrastructure and the natural environment.
Response date 13 March 2026
Our overall position
We reviewed the proposed Oxford Local Plan against our strategies, policies and statutory responsibilities.
Continued work between Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford City Council has reduced the number of comments needed at this stage. However, we have raised one main objection and proposed several changes.
Plan viability and car parking
Our main objection relates to Policy S4 on plan viability.
We do not support a policy that could lead to more land being used for car parking. We want developments to make efficient use of land, provide suitable building densities and support lower-carbon travel.
We consider that individual viability issues should be discussed by developers and the councils for each development.
Housing in Oxford
We have asked Oxford City Council to review how much housing can be provided within the city boundary.
This should include reviewing housing capacity in areas such as:
- Cowley
- Templars Square
- Headington
- the Oxford Science Park
- the overflow car park at the Kassam Stadium
New housing should be in sustainable locations. Residents should have good access to walking, cycling and public transport routes.
Transport and infrastructure
New development must support the infrastructure it needs. We have asked for clearer requirements for developer contributions.
These contributions may support transport schemes, public transport, active travel and other local infrastructure.
Our transport comments include:
- strengthening requirements for contributions towards infrastructure
- supporting the reopening of the Cowley Branch Line for passengers
- improving walking, cycling and public transport
- using a vision-led approach to transport planning
- preventing an increase in parking when some sites are redeveloped
- making cycle parking inclusive, secure, covered and well lit
Affordable housing
The proposed plan would require 40% affordable housing on qualifying sites. It would require 50% on sites in, or released from, the Green Belt.
We have asked for the evidence supporting the proposed reduction in the general affordable housing requirement to be tested during the plan examination.
Nature and green spaces
We support stronger protection and improvement of green infrastructure, habitats and wildlife sites.
Our response asks Oxford City Council to:
- align the plan with Oxfordshire's Local Nature Recovery Strategy
- consider a 20% minimum biodiversity net gain requirement
- assess the ecological effects of all proposed development sites
- protect designated wildlife sites and priority habitats
- choose suitable habitats and trees for each location
- increase tree canopy cover where this is ecologically appropriate
Health, education and community facilities
We support requiring a health impact assessment for major planning applications. We have asked for the policy to define clearly which developments must provide one.
We have also asked for updated education terminology and flexibility where pupils cannot travel by walking, cycling or public transport.
At Templars Square, we have asked for the proposed community facilities to include the potential for library provision.
Read the full response
The full response contains detailed comments and proposed changes for individual policies and development sites.
Alternative formats
Contact the strategic planning team to request this information in another format.