The Right Homes, in the Right Place

I know we all agree that West Oxfordshire needs more affordable homes - to rent or buy.  However, these new homes must be at the right price in the right place, and any new development must come with the extra infrastructure needed to support it.

It is essential that any new homes must not ruin the unique character of our towns and villages.  Excessive numbers of houses must not threaten the nature of our rural area - and speculative development must end.

A very good example of housing that is well thought-out, compliments the local area, and with a strong affordable element is the Home Farm development in Bladon, which I visited recently.  Homes here have been built to a high standard that complement, not crowd, the village. This partnership between the Sovereign Housing Association and Blenheim Estates shows what can be done when we all work together.

I have met many local West Oxfordshire businesses  - Stewart Milne Timber Systems and Ede Homes, for example - who are creating innovative solutions to building more housing that compliments our area, and I look forward to the growth of their businesses and ideas.

The way to ensure the end of speculative development is through the creation of a well-thought out and fully-evidenced Local Plan.  I am glad that West Oxfordshire District Council has now submitted their plan for inspection; this is occurring during the summer of 2017.  This will do much more to enable people protect the area that we live and work in.

I will continue to scrutinise planning policy to make sure it works for us.  I will not hesitate to continue to speak out if the unique charm of West Oxfordshire is threatened.

News

Garden Village consultation

WODC are inviting you to have your say on the proposed garden village to be built to the north of the A40 near Eynsham.

Robert speaks out on behalf of Grenfell survivors urging for action

Robert said, "When I attended the very moving event held in Speaker’s House and spoke to survivors, one of the most striking and moving points made was residents telling me that repeated complaints and concerns had been raised but had not been listened to or acted on. Does my right hon.

Robert responds to the consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework

Robert has today responded to the consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework.  This is of huge importance to West Oxfordshire, where it is essential to balance the need to build more houses so residents and their families can stay in the area, but also to preserve the character of Wes

Robert discusses housing with Kingham Parish Council

Robert said, "Good chat with the Kingham Parish Council recently - good to have a discussion about West Oxfordshire's need for housing, but that this needs to not be at the cost of our local communities."

National Planning Policy Framework reform

Robert is glad that the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government are reforming the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) to help build homes in the right places, at the right price and in keeping with their surrounds.