Oxford Local Plan 2042 - Early Engagement Survey

Why are you preparing another new local plan? 

At a Full Council meeting, held on the 27^th January 2025, the Oxford Local Plan 2040 was withdrawn. Oxford City Council is, therefore, now embarking on the preparation of Oxford Local Plan 2042 to ensure the city has an up-to-date local plan.

The Planning Inspectorate recommended that Local Plan 2040 should be withdrawn as they said the duty to cooperate had not been met. This cannot be fixed through the local plan examination, so we now need to prepare a new plan.

Is this version of the Local Plan different to the previous draft?

The preparation of the new Local Plan 2042 will build on the previous draft, although it will be a new document. Whilst much of the evidence base, its background studies, and public and stakeholder views remain current, we are inviting input from all of Oxford’s communities and stakeholders.

Comments received during the previous consultation stages were taken into consideration and several modifications were made to the proposed policies as appropriate in response to the feedback. Where versions of those policies are carried over in the upcoming plan, they will reflect the modifications in order to improve the level of soundness. 

We also encourage continued feedback in order to ensure that they are effective and meet the expectations of Oxford residents, businesses and stakeholders.

How will I be involved in future draft of the Local Plan 2042?

Following this initial involvement, the drafting of Local Plan 2042 will continue to involve all of Oxford’s communities and stakeholders. Further consultations will take place later as follows:

• The formal “Preferred Options” (Regulation 18) consultation where you will have the opportunity to raise any concerns or questions regarding the local plan.
• After a period of analysis, a further formal “Submission” (Regulation 19) consultation will take place on the final draft of the plan.
• It will then be submitted for public examination by the Planning Inspectorate.

What is the status of the 2036 plan?

The Local Plan 2036 remains the current plan for Oxford against which planning applications will be determined alongside any adopted neighbourhood plans.

What is the timetable for adoption of the new plan?

The published timetable can be found in the Local Development Scheme.