Introduction
Oxfordshire Chamber responded to the original structure plan so please refer to that document for specific comment. Our present comments are directed towards the key issues facing Oxfordshire’s future.

In general, we support the issues identified in the plan. Our comments mainly refer to the priority given to specific issues.

Issue 1 Aims of the Structure Plan
Q1. We support the aims and objectives of the Structure Plan

Q2 We believe that the key aim of the plan must be the promotion of economic prosperity. The Chamber has lobbied for many years that it is only through a dynamic and prosperous local economy that the council can achieve its other aims. We believe that to continue to place economic prosperity in 4th position is complacent.

Issue 2 Economic development and prosperity
Q3 A culture must be created which welcomes business activity and development. Business growth should not be regarded as a hindrance to the local economy.

Q4 We expressed our concern that the structure plan was complacent about the economic development of the county. We do not see economic activity and protection of the environment as mutually exclusive and we maintain our position that the best way to maintain the environment of the county is via the continual success of business located in the area. In addition to supporting local grown business, Oxfordshire must seek to encourage new business into the county. The phrase “providing for firms who need to be in Oxfordshire” needs to be explained.

Q5 The Chamber has long advocated that Upper Heyford should be developed as an important location for business and housing

Q6 The structure plan needs to enable land and buildings to be released, in particular around Oxford, to take advantage of the expertise of the University. We also call for flexibility in allowing existing business or agricultural premises throughout the county to be converted to support this aim.

Q7 Rural areas can be supported to thrive by sensible and flexible planning policies that allow for the conversion of farm type buildings to new forms of use. Initiatives to improve the transport infrastructure and public transport are long overdue

Issue 4 The amount and type of housing development
Q11 It needs to be accepted that the county must accommodate the projected number of people who can be expected to want to live in the area. The council has access to national projections of household formation; where these show an expected increase, they should be accepted. The “not in my back yard” ritual is no longer acceptable.

Issue 5 Affordable housing
Q13 National projections indicate a continuation of family breakdowns and the need to accommodate such individuals. The Chamber supports initiatives towards more affordable housing. Our objective should be to create a range of mixed communities

Issue 6 Travel in Oxfordshire
Q14 The Chamber welcomes attempts to improve public transport. It is however not acceptable to our members that business is penalised via taxation or other transport reduction measures before improvements are made in public transport and infrastructure. We believe that the road network in particular the A40 and A420 require upgrading.

Issue 7 Location for new development
Q15 Upper Heyford in addition to county towns
Q17 This is not the correct approach. Both strategies should be followed
Q18 Yes

Contact Details

John Naish
Chairman
Oxfordshire Chamber of Commerce
18 Lakesmere Close
Kidlington Oxon OX5 1LG

Email: policy@thamesvalleychamber.co.uk