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Planning

Collage of images from South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse, including landscapes, wind turbines, historic buildings, and towns and villages, and stock photos to represent planning and green energy.

April 12, 2024

Innovative engagement helps hundreds of new voices to shape our districts’ future

Well over a thousand individuals and organisations have shared their thoughts on an emerging plan for the future of South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse. Their comments will contribute to the development of a new Joint Local Plan, which will guide planning decisions in the districts until 2041. South Oxfordshire and Vale of White […]

February 14, 2024

New planning rules mean good news for nature recovery

Biodiversity Net Gain– which came into law nationally on 12 February 2024 – is not a new concept for the councils, whose officers have been working on similar approaches to enhancing the wildlife value of new developments since becoming the first authorities in the UK to successfully secure a BNG agreement in 2013.

November 18, 2023

Preparation underway for next stage of Joint Local Plan

Innovative new planning policies to help two Oxfordshire districts reach their full potential and address challenges they face, are on the local agenda – and you’ll soon be able to have your say. South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils are preparing to launch a second round of consultation early next year to […]

Image of Uffington White Horse

August 18, 2023

Have your say on our landscapes and what’s changing them

A new study has launched to better understand, protect and enhance the unique landscapes across South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse and you’re invited to have your say. South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils are preparing a new Landscape Character Assessment and are calling for residents, businesses and visitors to share […]

March 17, 2023

Council’s decision to reject Grove development backed by government

The national Planning Inspectorate has found Vale of White Horse District Council was correct to refuse a planning application for 300 new houses near Grove and has dismissed an appeal to overturn its decision. The application from David Wilson Homes, which proposed up to 300 dwellings on land east of Grove, was refused by the […]

March 17, 2023

Kingston Bagpuize scores brand new sports pavilion

Sports clubs and residents in Kingston Bagpuize will soon be kicking goals and taking wickets by a brand new £657,000 pavilion which is opening this weekend. Vale of White Horse District Council approved £596,757 of funding from developer contributions for Kingston Bagpuize with Southmoor Parish Council to deliver the pavilion. The funding was sourced from […]

March 16, 2023

Funding to give nature reserve a new ‘leaf of life’

Tuckmill Nature Reserve is set for a refresh with a £76,600 funding boost to support local volunteers and help maintain and enhance the reserve’s biodiversity. Vale of White Horse District Council secured the funding from a housing development in Shrivenham, through what’s known as Section 106 Contributions, and will be used to support local volunteer […]

March 16, 2023

New simplified planning at Milton Park to pave way for further life science and technology investment

One of Europe’s largest science and technology communities is in line for more jobs, business investment opportunities, and improved sustainability thanks to an updated planning document. Vale of White Horse District Council has voted to adopt an updated Local Development Order (LDO) for Milton Park subject to a legal agreement being finalised. Once adopted, the […]

March 6, 2023

Water companies told to forget the reservoir and focus on fixing leaks

Plans for the future of water supplies in the South East, including a giant reservoir between Abingdon, Steventon and East Hanney, have been strongly criticised by Vale of White Horse District Council. Vale of White Horse District Council has published its response to the recent Water Resources South East (WRSE) public consultation, outlining numerous concerns […]