THOSE responsible for making 'vital' planning decisions over the next twelve months have been selected by Oxford City Council.

The council's west area and east area planning committees have now been revealed following the local elections earlier this month.

Labour's Colin Cook will chair west area, with Liberal Democrat Mike Gotch as vice-chair.

Over in the east, city councillors Sian Taylor - chair - and David Henwood - vice-chair - both Labour, will take charge.

All major planning applications, as well as those which depart from the Local Plan and cover conservation areas, will go to planning committee along with any contentious schemes which can be 'called-in'.

Both chairs said it was a challenging time for the city and important to maintain its character despite new development.

Mr Cook said: "Planning is an ever more vital aspect of the work the city council does as we continue to face challenges to develop our city as well as protecting its unique character.

"I'm looking forward to chairing the west area planning committee and I'm confident that the members of the committee will deliver an effective planning service."

Sian Taylor, city councillor for Northfield Brook, said: "I am delighted to have been elected as Chair of East Area Planning Committee for a second year.

"Planning is vital to the city council's role in ensuring we have development which is sympathetic to the character of local neighbourhoods and balances out the many competing demands on Oxford’s limited space."