13th December 2024
In a significant step towards shaping the future of South Oxfordshire, the South Oxfordshire District Council (SODC), in collaboration with the Vale of White Horse Council, has submitted its new Joint Local Plan to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government for examination by an independent Planning Inspector. This plan, which spans from April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2041, aims to guide new housing and job development across the entire South Oxfordshire district, including Thame.
Since 2021, residents of Thame have been working to preserve the town’s attractiveness to residents, businesses, and visitors alike, through the development of its own Neighbourhood Plan (TNP2), ensuring that local voices are not overshadowed by broader district-wide plans.
Thame’s Neighbourhood Plan is designed to safeguard our market town feel, maintain our close relationship with the open countryside, and ensure the continuation of markets, festivals, and events.
Key provisions of Thame's Neighbourhood Plan include the retention of parking spaces in the Town Centre and the development of a budget supermarket, all while ensuring that any new developments align with the town's unique character.
Local Say in Planning
Thame’s Neighbourhood Plan represents the town’s commitment to having a direct influence over its future developments. In creating the plan, Thame residents have expressed a desire that the town’s specific needs and character are taken into consideration when SODC makes future planning decisions.
If adopted, TNP2 will provide a framework to complement the broader Joint Local Plan, ensuring that development in Thame aligns with the community's vision.
A Milestone Towards Adoption
Following a thorough examination, the independent Examiner recently praised both the content of Thame’s Plan and how residents have been consulted. The Examiner’s report, which can be downloaded here, recommends that the plan, subject to recommended changes, goes forward to referendum. It is expected that the District Council will agree and will start working towards the referendum soon.
For the plan to be adopted, over 50% of all those who vote in the referendum will need to be in favour of the plan. If successful, Thame's Neighbourhood Plan (TNP2) will become part of the planning policies used by the District Council, providing a tailored approach to development in Thame.
This milestone underscores the importance of local planning initiatives. The adoption of Thame's Neighbourhood Plan will not only preserve the town's distinctive identity but also ensure that future developments benefit the entire community.
