Inspectors begin Local Plan Review public hearing
17/02/2026
This is a crucial stage towards the end of the process
Public hearings looking at Cherwell District Council’s Local Plan Review have begun today.
Government-appointed inspectors will not only consider the plan itself, but also all representations received during the most recent consultation.
So far preparation of the new Local Plan has included four public consultations, evidence gathering, cooperation with neighbouring planning authorities, and consideration of feedback received from the public and stakeholder bodies.
The review by independent inspectors is a crucial stage towards the end of the process.
The hearing is taking place in the council chamber at Castle Quay and is expected to conclude by the end of the week.
If agreed the Local Plan will become a crucial part of the planning process against which applications will be measured, with councillors believing its adoption will give them greater control of the decisions they can make.
Councillor Jean Conway, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Development Management, said: “The new Local Plan is a key priority of this administration. It will help us protect Cherwell’s heritage assets, green spaces and biodiversity, while providing an up-to-date, evidence-based vision for the delivery of new homes, employment, and supporting infrastructure in the years to come.
“It is a rigorous and positively prepared Plan and we are proud to be steering it through this next key stage of the process.”
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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