AN OXFORDSHIRE MP has welcomed a High Court ruling that a ministerial statement empowering neighbourhood plans should stand.

A neighbourhood plan is a document that allows town and parish councils to outline areas for sustainable development.

The statement by Gavin Bardwell, former housing minister, outlined how such plans could still be useful in district's without a five-year housing land supply. Despite being challenged in the High Court, the statement was upheld.

Henley MP John Howell said he hoped the ruling encouraged more plans.