Local Development Framework (LDF)

The LDF consists of a series of documents that when adopted, will replace the 2011 Local Plan.

We have produced a 'mini-guide' to the LDF which can be downloaded below for quick reference.

Mini guide to the LDF

More detailed information is provided below.

Core Strategy

The most important part of the LDF is the Core Strategy which sets out an overall strategy for the District over the next 15 years.

We have made good progress in preparing the Core Strategy with extensive stakeholder engagement leading to the publication of a draft strategy in January 2011.

Documentation and information on the Core Strategy

In addition to the Core Strategy there are a number of other documents that collectively make up the West Oxfordshire LDF:

LDF timetable

Our timetable for preparing the Core Strategy has been updated and is now likely to be as follows:

Further consultation - August / September 2012
Consideration of responses - September / October 2012
Cabinet / Council agree proposed submission draft Core Strategy - October / November 2012

These dates supersede those set out in the current Local Development Scheme (LDS) although this can still be downloaded following the link below;

Local Development Scheme

Site allocations and Development Management

Supporting the Core Strategy is our 'Site allocations and Development Management' document which we have also made good progress with. To view the consultation documents and latest information click on the link below.

Site allocations and Development Management

Statement of Community Involvement (SCI)

The SCI sets out how we engage with stakeholders in relation to the preparation of documents such as the Core Strategy. The SCI was adopted in 2007 and can be viewed via the link below.

Statement of Community Involvement

West Oxfordshire Design Guide

The West Oxfordshire Design Guide adopted in September 2006 is a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) that supports the overall Core Strategy and provides detailed guidance on the design of new development within West Oxfordshire. For further information click on the link below.

West Oxfordshire Design Guide

Affordable housing

The Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document was adopted in April 2007 and sets out detailed advice in relation to the provision of new affordable housing within West Oxfordshire. This is a key issue for the District. For further information, see:

Affordable Housing

Evidence base

It is essential that all of our LDF documents are supported by robust evidence in relation to matters such as flooding, housing need, the economy and so on.

We have therefore developed an extensive 'evidence base' which is constantly being updated and added to so that we have as much up to date information as possible:

Evidence base

Monitoring

So that we know whether our plans and policies are having the desired effect, we are required to produce an Annual Monitoring Report (AMR). As well as looking at the impact of policies, the AMR also considers whether the LDF timetable is being achieved. The most recent AMR (2011) and a number of earlier versions are available to download below.