South Oxfordshire and Vale locals invited to shape plans

South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have launched a scoping consultation for their second Joint Local Plan, which will set out future development priorities and guide decisions on housing, employment, and infrastructure until 2045.

The consultation, running until September 29, seeks early feedback from residents, businesses, and stakeholders on what the plan should cover and how future engagement should be structured.

Councillor Anne-Marie Simpson, South Oxfordshire District Council's cabinet member for planning policy, said: "This initial consultation is one of the first steps in a long journey ahead.

"I encourage people to find out more and have their say on what they think our next plan should include.

"Although it might seem unusual to start a new plan whilst the first plan is still being examined, due to new government regulations we have to prepare ourselves for the next local plan.

"Many other councils around the country preparing their last plan under the previous arrangements are in the same position as us – so we are by no means unique in running two plans simultaneously."

The need for a second plan arises from new Government regulations requiring councils to begin preparing their next local plans even while current ones are still under examination.

The first Joint Local Plan, covering development up to 2041, was submitted to the Secretary of State for independent examination in December 2024.

Inspector-led hearing sessions took place in June 2025 and July 2026, with a third stage expected later this autumn.

The new plan will extend the timeframe to 2045 and must be prepared, examined, and adopted within 30 months, starting no later than October 31, 2026.

Councillor Andy Foulsham, Vale of White Horse District Council's cabinet member for policy and programmes, said: "Our first joint local plan is robust, innovative, forward-thinking and based on strong community engagement.

"We want our next plan to match this – which is why it is important for local people to get involved at this early consultation stage and let us know their thoughts.

"Working on two local plans at once is a challenge – but on the strength of our previous work on the first Joint Local Plan, we will rise to the occasion and bring the same dedication and determination to see it through."

No proposed policies or strategies are included at this stage of the process.

Participants are instead being asked what the plan should include and how the councils should approach future engagement.

Residents can take part in the consultation online at www.southandvale.gov.uk/JLP2-scoping-consultation.