The new Local Plan from SODC is now out for a limited consultation until 18^th February.  It proposes a large increase in housing and loss of Green Belt land and overturns a previous version of the plans which had protected the Green Belt. The loss of Green Belt round the southern edge of Oxford and the building of houses affecting land off Grenoble Road,1700 houses, and land off the B480 Northfield, 1800 houses,  have serious implications for villages. 

There are concerns that the housing numbers are greatly inflated beyond an objectively assessed need, that there will be a lack of infrastructure. The environmental implications could be serious.  The traffic implications for the A4074 and surrounding roads from other developments including at Berinsfield and Culham are also considerable.

Information on the plan and the important issues for us has already been circulated via the Baldons Info email.   Details of SODC drop in events are on the Baldons web site

Following discussion at the council meeting on 14^th Jan the council agreed to hold a public meeting for villagers on Thursday 7^th February at 7.30 pm in the Village Hall.  See separate notice and village notice boards and Baldon info emails.

This will help the Parish Council finalise its response reflecting villagers’ views and also help you understand the SODC plan and submit your own comments by the 18^th February.

Villagers are being urged to respond to the plans in writing or via SODC web site by 5 pm on18^th February: 

http://www.southoxon.gov.uk/services-and-advice/planning-and-building/planning-policy/emerging-local-plan

If you wish to make representations by letter send them to

Adrian Duffield 

Director of Planning

South Oxfordshire District council

135 Eastern Avenue

Milton Park

Abingdon OS14 0SB