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Property consultant to lead tour for business leaders around potential development sites
10/02/2023
All the places are taken for the Chamber of Commerce event, but there are plans to repeat it
Local business leaders have snapped up all the places at an event which aims to look at the key development sites in Banbury which could be included in the district’s new Local Plan.
That plan, when agreed, will be the blueprint for development here up to 2040. A number of ideas are emerging, including the regeneration of two areas in Banbury town centre.
The Banbury and District Chamber of Commerce – which is the recognised voice for local businesses – has arranged a minibus tour during the morning of February 21.
The Chamber’s Chair Neil Wild, who runs Wild Property Consultancy, will be on hand to answer people’s questions so they can understand the Local Plan process and then fully participate in the consultation exercise.
Mr Wild said: “I am aware that people drive or walk around their town, see things have changed and comment on it, but are surprised by it and haven’t realised that was happening. Often these things have been in the pipeline for sometimes 10 years or more.
“This tour gives an opportunity for us to reflect on existing developments, but also what’s likely to happen and what may well be happening in the coming years. It gives people the opportunity to be aware of that in advance.”
To date nothing has been decided and the public will be given a chance to have a say when a consultation begins.
Mr Wild added: “It’s a really significant document because it sets the tone for how Cherwell, Banbury, Bicester, Hayford and all the village areas may expand and be developed in the coming years.
“Businesses are aware that, in some instances they need more space, they need to enlarge, they need to develop their sites. Others think about their town centre. There’s always lots of discussion about the town centre – how it’s changing, how the town needs to adapt to reflect current kind of habits and shopping patterns.
“All of those elements form part of the local plan.”
With all the places at the first event having been taken the Chamber is planning to run another event in future weeks.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam