A SIGNIFICANT district council planning document could be formally adopted later this month after clearing a crucial hurdle.

West Oxfordshire District Council’s Local Plan has been accepted by the Government’s Planning Inspectorate and will be presented to councillors for formal adoption at a special meeting to be scheduled during September.

The Local Plan sets out how the district can achieve economic growth and meet its housing target of 15,950 new homes between 2011 and 2031.

It identifies the most suitable sites for new housing and the accompanying infrastructure needed to achieve the greatest benefits for the new development and, wherever possible, a wider area.

Council James Mills, leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, said: “Having a Local Plan in place would be the best possible news for West Oxfordshire and I am confident it will be adopted by councillors.

“It is a significant policy document that will guide the way our district develops in the future by identifying the most suitable sites for housing needed for our growing population.

"By doing this, it protects us against speculative and inappropriate development.

“Engagement with communities, developers and stakeholders has been critical and we are immensely grateful for their input along the way."

The Local Plan was first submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in July 2015 but suspended due to the Inspector’s concerns around housing targets and more work was undertaken.

It was re-submitted in March 2017 with 15,950 new homes proposed, compared to 10,500 previously.