Final days to have your say on possible future development locations in West Oxfordshire

Residents, businesses and community groups are being reminded that there is one week left to comment on West Oxfordshire District Council’s Spatial Options consultation – the latest stage in preparing the new Local Plan. 

 The consultation, which looks at possible locations for future homes, jobs and supporting infrastructure up to 2043, closes on Monday 22 December 2025. 

The Council has already received hundreds of responses through its online consultation platform, with over 250 people attending local drop-in events held in locations across the district, including Chipping Norton, Tackley, Witney, Long Hanborough, Brize Norton, Bampton, Milton Under Wychwood, and Standlake. 

Cllr Hugo Ashton, Executive Member for Planning, said: 

“We’re really grateful to everyone who has taken the time to read the proposals, come along to events, and share their thoughts with us so far. We know that talking about possible development sites is never easy, people care deeply about their towns, villages and countryside, and your feedback is vital for us to ensuring future development is planned in a way that works for our local communities. 

“This consultation is about being transparent with residents on the options we’re considering, and the evidence behind them, before any final decisions are made. None of the locations in this consultation are ‘done deals’. We genuinely want to hear what you think – what feels right, what needs protecting, and how we can make sure any growth comes with the right infrastructure, green space and community facilities to support it. 

“If you haven’t had your say yet, there is still a week to get involved. Your feedback now will help shape the draft Local Plan that we publish next year.” 

The Preferred Spatial Options consultation follows earlier rounds of public engagement on what the new Local Plan should achieve and the planning policies that will underpin it. Together, those previous consultations have highlighted priorities such as providing more genuinely affordable homes, better infrastructure, tackling the climate and ecological emergency, more job and training opportunities, and protecting local character. 

Feedback from this consultation will be analysed and further technical work is being prepared to inform the full draft Local Plan, which the Council expects to publish for formal consultation in mid-2026. 

You can view the consultation document, explore interactive maps and submit comments online at:

https://yourvoice.westoxon.gov.uk/en-GB/folders/preferred-spatial-options-nov2025