Consultation open on Littlemore neighbourhood plan

The proposed plan sets out policies to shape development and use of land in the Littlemore parish area for the benefit of residents. When made and approved by a local referendum, a neighbourhood plan must be considered in reaching planning decisions. 

Consultation is a legal requirement under the Neighbourhood Planning Regulations 2012. 

Take part 

A six-week consultation is now open on the Council’s website and will close at 23:59 on Monday 9 December. 

Next steps 

An independent examiner will inspect the plan, supporting documents and consultation responses to ensure it meets legal requirements and local and national planning policies. 

The examiner will then recommend whether to hold a referendum on the plan. If approved, this could take place in late spring or early summer next year. 

Comment 

Councillor Louise Upton, Cabinet Member for Planning, said: “Neighbourhood plans give people a say in the future development of their area. This consultation is the next step on the road to the adoption of a neighbourhood plan for Littlemore and local residents have put a lot of time and effort into making this happen. I’d encourage anyone with an interest in Littlemore to take part in the consultation.” 

Development of the neighbourhood plan 

Littlemore Parish Council ran an initial issues and options survey in the summer of 2023, receiving 515 responses. Five policy groups then drew up policies to inform the development of the draft plan, which was approved for public consultation in February. 

The presubmission consultation ran from 7 May to 18 June, leading to minor changes. Littlemore Parish Council approved the revised draft plan on 10 September before sending it to the Council to publicise. 

The city council has a duty to support the neighbourhood plan and provided advice during the development process, including making detailed comments for consideration on the presubmission consultation.