More employment land, more hotels – and a few more houses in new Local Plan

SOUTH Oxfordshire Local Plan 2011 – 2034 has been published for consultation, and there are some interesting proposals for Thame.

South Oxfordshire District Council has published its draft local plan and is inviting the public and organisations to make formal responses that will be submitted with the plan to the government for inspection.

The formal public consultation began yesterday, January 7, and will run for six weeks until Monday, February 18, at 5pm. This is the final chance for residents, businesses and organisations to have their say on the plan. Comments will be submitted with the plan to the government by the end of March 2019. The examination of the plan by an independent government inspector is expected to follow in the summer.

Regarding Thame, the plan suggests that a further 363 homes will be needed by the end of the plan period. The Plan’s basic strategy for Thame is as follows:

1. The Council will support development proposals that:
   i) are in accordance with the Thame Neighbourhood Development
   Plan or any subsequent made replacement of that Plan;
   ii) strengthen the retail offer within Thame Town Centre;
   iii) improve the attraction of Thame for visitors and businesses;
   iv) improve accessibility, car parking, pedestrian and cycle links;
   v) support schemes that enhance the quality of the town’s
   environment and conserve and enhance the town’s heritage
   assets;
   vi) provide new employment opportunities and improve the stock
   of existing employment areas.
   vii) provide new, or enhanced community facilities that meet an
   identified need.

Hotel accommodation

In response to a Hotel Needs Assessment, the plan has identified a need for further hotels in Thame.

Follow the link HERE for all the details of the plan (downloadable PDF), and how to register your comments.