Why our numbers are realistic
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out a ‘standard method’ as a starting point for assessing how many homes are needed. The NPPF expects this to be adjusted for local circumstances.
The standard method is out of date. It relies on 2011 Census data and population projections from 2014. The 2021 Census showed these projections were wrong.
If our Local Plan 2040 relied on the standard method we would fall further behind in building the homes that are needed.
Housing would become even more unaffordable than it already is.
More people working in Oxford would be forced to move further away to find somewhere affordable to live.
This would increase commuting and make traffic worse than it already is.
The HENA looks at the world as it is and how we expect it to be in 2040. To do this, we need to take expected job growth into account.
Oxfordshire has a strong and diverse economy which is forecast to keep growing, even during a prolonged period of economic volatility. This is primarily due to the county’s world-class life science, education and technology sectors.
There is a strong and growing demand for lab and R&D space.
Oxfordshire is one of four regions that contribute a surplus to the UK's economy, and it has been growing at 3.9% a year since 2006.
We are not driving this demand for employment space.
Our plans are about sensibly managing our local economy. This means looking after the thousands of supply chain and service industry jobs high-tech sectors will support.
It means providing the homes that will be needed so people can afford to live and work in Oxfordshire.
