MP welcomes future strategy for Thame’s growth

THAME’s MP, John Howell, has welcomed the news that an independent Planning Inspector has approved a plan which will provide the blueprint for the district’s growth over the next 15 years. 

South Oxfordshire District Council’s ‘Core Strategy’ sets out how many new homes should be built and where, and where employment sites will be created in Thame, Henley and Wallingford, by 2027. It has been developed over a four-year period with extensive community involvement and technical assessments of the proposed sites – but not without controversies on the way.

Thame Town Council, at one point in the consultation process, questioned the legality of the Core Strategy. READ MORE

South Oxfordshire District Council itself was involved in a spat with the inspector over the fact that he would not allow it to include ‘windfall’ sites in its allocation of new housing. READ MORE

Recently the core strategy underwent a public examination where the planning inspector heard evidence from local councils, residents and other interested groups and individuals.

John Howell said of the Inspector’s approval of the Core Strategy: ?This gives the boost to those wishing to complete their Neighbourhood Plans that many have been looking for. It represents another Council which has brought forward a successful Core Strategy to ensure that the sustainable development of the area can be planned rather than left to chance.

?I offer my congratulations to the Council for this result. It is a good result which reflects the hard work which has been put in to the Plan. I am sure Thame will now want to deliver a positive vote in the referendum on its Neighbourhood Plan. I am sure too that Henley will want to assess how the 400 houses can best be accommodated.?

BACKGROUND ARTICLES REGARDING THE CORE STRATEGY: LINK

BACKGROUND ARTICLES REGARDING THE THAME COMMUNITY PLAN