A DRAFT Local Plan that will help shape the future of West Oxfordshire has been submitted by the district council for examination.

Responses were received from around 150 individuals and organisations during the final six-week consultation stage which was held earlier this year between March and May.

Planning Inspector Simon Emerson has been appointed and will determine whether or not the plan is ‘sound’ in light of the representations received and national policy.

The examination will be held later in the year at the District Council’s Woodgreen Offices in Witney and the hearing dates, and any other relevant information, will be published on the council’s website as soon as possible.

Councillor Warwick Robinson, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Housing, said: “Reaching this point has involved a long and complex process and this has been necessary as the Local Plan provides the framework for how our District will develop in future years.

“I am confident that our approach has been thorough with consultation carried out at each stage and every detail investigated, including all the evidence provided to us.

“We have a lot to thank the public for all their representations, contributions and proposals along the way. However, we recognise it will never be possible to produce a Plan that pleases everyone, but we believe that what is being put forward to the Inspector is the best for West Oxfordshire.”

Further information on the process and copies of the documents that have been submitted are available on the council’s local plan web page at www.westoxon.gov.uk/localplan2031