Developments affected by Grampian planning conditions in West Oxfordshire

West Oxfordshire District Council is committed to ensuring that new housing developments are supported by the right infrastructure, particularly where the existing sewage network is already under pressure. 

Our concerns 

The Council is deeply concerned about the current state of the wastewater network in West Oxfordshire. Most of the district’s 20 sewage treatment works are already operating at or beyond capacity, and issues such as leaky pipes, overloaded pumping stations and surface water entering the system are contributing to the problem.  

Chronic underfunding of upgrades to our sewage network from Thames Water over many decades has left us in this difficult situation.  

As a result of the broken network, pollution is regularly pumped directly into our rivers and, in some cases, sewage spills in local areas.  

Our view is that action needs to be taken urgently by Thames Water to upgrade the network for existing homes and new ones. We have seen some improvements such as upgrades to the Witney sewage works but there is much more to be done. 

What are we doing and why? 

We are working closely with Thames Water and other relevant organisations such as the Environment Agency, to ensure that future planned growth is supported by the right investment in new and improved sewage infrastructure.  

However, in some instances (e.g. where an unplanned development is put forward speculatively) we need to impose something called a ‘grampian’ planning condition which effectively means that whilst a developer can build new homes, they can’t allow them to be occupied until the necessary improvements have been agreed.  

In terms of process, the Council consults Thames Water on larger development proposals and if there is a concern regarding sewage capacity, will work with Thames Water to agree an appropriate planning condition depending on the specific circumstances of the case.  

These measures are intended to make sure all new developments have the sewage infrastructure they need. By making sure we have the right infrastructure in place, we aim to benefit the residents moving into those homes, our existing communities, and the environment – all whom suffer as a result of ongoing sewage spills.  

Developments currently impacted by Grampian planning conditions 

The following developments in West Oxfordshire currently have Grampian planning conditions in place to ensure that any new homes built are only able to be occupied, once the necessary wastewater infrastructure upgrades are agreed with Thames water: 

Catchment area	Site / development name	Planning application number	Number of homes affected
Chipping Norton	Land South of Hit and Miss Farm, Chipping Norton	23/00536/OUT  Outline	90
Church Hanborough	New Yatt Road, North Leigh	23/00794/OUT  Outline	43
Church Hanborough	Witney Road, North Leigh	22/02498/OUT  Outline	55
Church Hanborough	Land North of Witney Road, Long Hanborough	22/01330/OUT  Outline	150
Witney	Monahan Way, Carterton	22/03539/FUL  Full	99
Woodstock	Banbury Road, Woodstock	21/00217/OUT  Outline	235
Woodstock	Hill Rise, Woodstock	21/00189/FUL  Full	180

We want to see new homes built, and people move into new homes, but ultimately, we need to make sure those homes have the required infrastructure.  

We therefore would advise anyone looking to buy these homes, or who are involved in the sale process that we will not be discharging the planning condition until we are satisfied that the necessary improvements have been secured.  

What else are we doing to tackle the sewage problems in West Oxfordshire?

West Oxfordshire District Council has been actively working to address these issues and ensure that development in the district is supported by the right infrastructure. Steps we’ve already taken include: 

• Aligned planning with infrastructure delivery: Through our planning process and in line with the approach set out in our emerging Local Plan, we are committed to supporting the delivery of new homes alongside the essential infrastructure they need, including sewage systems. This helps avoid putting further pressure on an already stretched network and ensures development happens in a sustainable and responsible way. 

• Negotiated local Grampian conditions: We have worked directly with Thames Water to introduce Grampian conditions specific to West Oxfordshire, giving the Council control over when these conditions are discharged, something not common in all areas. This enables us to hold Thames water to account on delivering the necessary investment in sewage infrastructure. 

• Pushed for transparency and accountability: We have raised these concerns repeatedly with Thames Water and have called on national regulators, including Ofwat and the Environment Agency, to ensure the company meets its infrastructure obligations. 

• Supported affected communities and developers: We are in direct contact with affected developers and keeping local communities informed through updates like this page, as well as through ongoing conversations with partners. 

• Lobbied nationally for change: Alongside our local MP, we have called for stronger national oversight of water companies and greater investment in essential infrastructure to meet the needs of growing communities. 

We will continue to advocate on behalf of residents and work to ensure the right infrastructure is in place for the homes and communities of West Oxfordshire.