3 April 2014

The Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) for Oxfordshire was published in March 2014. It concludes that up to 93,560 – 106,560 additional homes are needed across Oxfordshire in the period 2011-2031 (between 4,678 – 5,328 homes per annum). This is based on meeting the housing need identified, supporting committed economic growth (including the City Deal)…

3 April 2014

The Oxford Mail carried this article the morning after the Oxford Futures launch.

2 April 2014

Although Oxford Civic Society broadly welcomes the redevelopment of the Westgate shopping centre in the centre of Oxford the Society still has concerns about the shape and style of the development and its effect on the transport systems and traffic it will generate. The Society has therefore decided to ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to call in the outline planning application granted by Oxford City Council. The Society’s reasons are set out in the letter below. The principal reasons are the scale of the development, traffic issues and the need for re-assurance of objectivity in a situation where the City is a significant freeholder in the site.

1 April 2014

In July 2012 Nicholas Falk’s URBED organised a study tour to Holland for people involved in the new Barton Park development in Oxford. On the tour were representatives of both parties in the development consortium, Grosvenor Estates and Oxford City. You can download a slideshow (no audio) of the presentation of the tour on this link (warning…

30 March 2014

On 31 March 2014 Oxford Civic Society launched a major report “Oxford Futures – Achieving Smarter Growth in Central Oxfordshire”. It argues that Central Oxfordshire is going to grow. It can grow smartly and we can all benefit. Or it can muddle its way through and lose out to better organised places. It says the only way to solve the problems arising from these growth pressures and bring about a prosperous future for the region is for all the different agencies to work together. This needs visionary leadership from the leaders of our communities, businesses and universities. The report calls on them to work together to achieve smarter growth.

27 March 2014

Here is the list of speakers who helped launch the “Oxford Futures – Achieving Smarter Growth in Central Oxfordshire” report on 31 March. Peter Thompson, Chairman, Oxford Civic Society Welcome and introductions Tim Stevenson, OBE, Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire An introduction to the Oxford Futures report Ian Wenman, Vice Chairman, Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership The…