06/09/11…..Thame picked to pilot new planning powers

THAME has been chosen, along with Woodcote in South Oxfordshire, to be among the first areas to produce Neighbourhood Plans, under a new power being introduced as part of the Localism Bill.

Neighbourhood Planning will give local people an opportunity to decide how development will evolve in their area. Plans should be in line with the local planning authority’s core strategy and can include preferred locations for housing, shops, offices and schools.

Thame and Woodcote are among 36 areas of the country, including towns, villages and business parks, that have been picked by the Government to pilot the new scheme. As part of the ?front-runners? scheme South Oxfordshire District Council will receive a grant of