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Representation ID: 7159

Received: 17/09/2021

Respondent: Davison & Co (Barford) Ltd

Agent: Phillips Planning Services

The Vision sets out general planning aims, and we have no particular comments to make on the Borough becoming more sustainable, the delivery of good design, or improved transport options etc. However, it is surprising that the Vision does not make any stronger statements on growth, where it will be located, or make a commitment to delivering the required number of new dwellings, and employment land as identified in the remainder of the Draft Plan.

Given the emerging focus on the delivery of the Oxford - Cambridge Arc as identified in the document, and the current consultation on priorities for the Spatial Framework, it seems a missed opportunity for the plan not to take a lead in setting out a how it could play an important role in delivering the vision. The statement at paragraph 1.11 appears to read as “we will do what have to”, rather than seeking to embrace the ambitions that Government has for development within the Arc.

In particular it would seem sensible for the plan to make some provision for the possibility of an uplift in housing and employment growth that may emerge through the preparation of the Arc’s Spatial Framework. The current consultation on “Creating a Vision for the Oxford-Cambridge Arc”, states that the Government is:

“concerned about the affordability and availability of housing in the Arc, and what this will mean for the Arc’s communities, economy and environment. Development of new homes is already happening in the Arc, but in the main centres this has not kept up with need. We also know people are being priced out of the area, increasing the need to make more polluting journeys for work and leisure, and making home ownership less likely for many.”