Archived Council Consultation Responses

This page provides access to archived consultation responses submitted by South Oxfordshire District Council. Archived consultation responses are retained to support transparency, accountability, scrutiny and historical reference. They provide a record of how the council has engaged with external consultations over time.

Consultation responses are separated by year, divided by broad category and then listed chronologically.

2025

Finance

Local Authority Funding Reform – Objectives and Principles

Consulting body: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Consultation period: 18 December 2024 to 12 February 2025
Council response submitted: February 2025

MHCLG consulted on local authority funding reforms seeking views on the approach to determining future funding allocations for local authorities and fire and rescue authorities through the local government finance settlement.

The consultation focused on the high‑level principles that should underpin funding reform, including how relative need and resource should be assessed, how funding allocations should be distributed, and how the system can be made fairer, more transparent and more sustainable over the long term.

The Funding and Sustainability of Local Government Finance

Consulting body: House of Commons Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
Consultation period: 11 December 2024 to 27 January 2025
Council response submitted: January 2025

The House of Commons Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee issued a call for evidence as part of its inquiry into the funding and sustainability of local government finance. The inquiry examined whether the current system of local government finance is fit for purpose and capable of meeting the needs of councils and service users over the long term.

The inquiry considered a wide range of issues, including funding levels, the balance between local and national funding, financial resilience, and the pressures facing local authorities in delivering statutory and discretionary services.

Local Government Finance Settlement 2025/26

Consulting body: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Consultation period: 18 December 2024 to 15 January 2025
Council response submitted: January 2025

MHCLG consulted on proposals for the Local Government Finance Settlement for 2025/26, seeking views on how funding would be allocated to local authorities for the financial year. The consultation also considered assumptions and provisional arrangements underpinning the settlement.

The local government finance settlement determines a significant proportion of the funding available to councils and plays a central role in enabling authorities to budget, plan services and manage financial risk.

Planning & Spatial Development

Improving the Implementation of Biodiversity Net Gain for Minor, Medium and Brownfield Development

Consulting body: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
Consultation period: 2 May 2025 to 24 July 2025
Council response submitted: July 2025

DEFRA consulted on proposals to improve the implementation of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) for minor, medium and brownfield development. The consultation sought views on how the biodiversity net gain requirements introduced through planning legislation could be applied more effectively and proportionately to smaller and previously developed sites.

The consultation recognised that while BNG plays an important role in enhancing biodiversity, its practical application can present challenges for certain types of development. The proposals aimed to ensure that biodiversity objectives are met without creating unnecessary barriers to development or disproportionate burdens.

Reform of Planning Committees – Technical Consultation

Consulting body: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Consultation period: 28 May 2025 to 23 July 2025
Council response submitted: July 2025

MHCLG consulted on proposals to reform the operation of planning committees, seeking technical feedback on changes to the delegation of planning functions, the size and composition of committees, and the introduction of mandatory training for members of planning committees.

The consultation formed part of wider proposals to modernise the planning system, with the aim of improving efficiency, consistency and decision‑making while maintaining democratic oversight in the planning process.

Planning Reform Working Paper – Reforming Site Thresholds

Consulting body: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Consultation period: 28 May 2025 to 9 July 2025
Council response submitted: July 2025

MHCLG consulted on the Planning Reform Working Paper: Reforming Site Thresholds, seeking views on how site size thresholds within the planning system could be revised to better support housing delivery across different types of development sites.

The working paper explored whether changes to thresholds could help unlock development on a wider range of sites, including smaller and medium‑sized schemes, while maintaining appropriate planning scrutiny and environmental safeguards.

Technical Consultation on Implementing Measures to Improve Build Out Transparency

Consulting body: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Consultation period: 25 May 2025 to 7 July 2025
Council response submitted: July 2025

MHCLG consulted on proposals to introduce a new statutory build out framework, aimed at improving transparency around the rate at which housing developments are built out following the granting of planning permission.

The consultation sought views on measures to collect, publish and use build out data more consistently, with the aim of improving understanding of housing delivery, identifying barriers to progress and supporting policy‑making across the planning system.

Planning Reform Working Paper – Speeding Up Build Out

Consulting body: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Consultation period: 25 May 2025 to 7 July 2025
Council response submitted: July 2025

MHCLG consulted on the Planning Reform Working Paper: Speeding Up Build Out, inviting views on further actions that could be taken to ensure that homes are built more quickly once planning permission has been granted.

The working paper explored potential policy and system changes aimed at improving delivery rates, identifying barriers to build out, and ensuring that planned housing translates into completed homes.

Land Use Consultation

Consulting body: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
Consultation period: 30 January 2025 to 25 April 2025
Council response submitted: April 2025

DEFRA Land Use Consultation sought views on a long‑term vision for land use in England and how that vision should be delivered. The consultation will inform the development of a national land use framework intended to balance competing demands on land.

The consultation explored how land is used for housing, food production, nature recovery, energy infrastructure, climate resilience and economic activity, and how these priorities can be planned and coordinated more effectively at national, regional and local levels.

Planning Reform Working Paper – Streamlining Infrastructure Planning

Consulting body: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Consultation period: 26 January 2025 to 26 February 2025
Council response submitted: 26 February 2025

MHCLG consulted on the Planning Reform Working Paper: Streamlining Infrastructure Planning, inviting views on further actions that could be taken through the planning system to speed up and simplify the delivery of critical infrastructure.

The working paper focused on potential changes to planning processes intended to support the timely delivery of infrastructure such as transport, utilities, energy and water. The proposals formed part of wider planning reform discussions aimed at removing barriers, improving coordination and supporting economic growth and development.

Planning Reform Working Paper – Development and Nature Recovery

Consulting body: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
Consultation period: 15 December 2024 to 21 February 2025
Council response submitted: February 2025

MHCLG and DEFRA consulted on the Planning Reform Working Paper: Development and Nature Recovery, inviting views on a proposed new approach to better integrate development with nature recovery objectives through the planning system.

The working paper explored how planning policy and processes could support housing and economic growth while delivering meaningful improvements for biodiversity, habitats and the natural environment. The proposals aimed to strengthen links between development, nature recovery and environmental outcomes.

Cherwell Local Plan 2040 – Regulation 19

Consulting body: Cherwell District Council
Consultation period: 19 December 2024 to 25 February 2025
Council response submitted: 24 February 2025

Cherwell District Council consulted on its Local Plan 2040, inviting views on whether the plan is legally compliant and sound in accordance with the tests set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

The Local Plan 2040 sets out Cherwell District Council’s proposed long‑term planning framework, including spatial strategy, housing delivery, infrastructure provision and environmental protection.

Planning Reform Working Paper – Planning Committees

Consulting body: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Consultation period: 9 December 2024 to 21 February 2025
Council response submitted: February 2025

MHCLG consulted on the Planning Reform Working Paper: Planning Committees, inviting views on possible models for a national scheme of delegation within the planning system. The working paper explored whether certain categories of planning decisions should be delegated automatically to officers, rather than determined by elected planning committees.

The proposals formed part of wider planning reform discussions aimed at increasing consistency, efficiency and predictability in planning decision‑making across local authorities.

Compulsory Purchase Process and Compensation Reforms

Consulting body: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Consultation period: 19 December 2024 and 13 February 2025
Council response submitted: February 2025

MHCLG consulted on proposals for reforms to the compulsory purchase process and compensation arrangements, seeking views on a range of technical changes aimed at improving the efficiency, fairness and effectiveness of compulsory purchase powers.

The consultation focused on potential reforms to how compulsory purchase orders are prepared, processed and implemented, as well as how compensation is assessed. The proposals were intended to support the delivery of infrastructure, regeneration and development projects while balancing the interests of landowners, communities and acquiring authorities.

Transport & Infrastructure

Cowley Grid Supply Point (GSP) Strategic Development Plan

Consulting body: Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN)
Consultation period: Winter 2024 to 2025
Council response submitted: February 2025

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks consulted on its draft Strategic Development Plan for the Cowley Grid Supply Point (GSP), seeking views from stakeholders on proposed upgrades and future development of electricity network infrastructure serving the area.

The Strategic Development Plan sets out how SSEN intends to manage current and future electricity demand, including increased need arising from housing growth, economic development and the transition to low‑carbon technologies such as electric vehicles and heat pumps.

Environment & Climate

Flood and Coastal Erosion Funding Reform

Consulting body: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
Consultation period: 3 June 2025 to 29 July 2025
Council response submitted: July 2025

DEFRA consulted on proposals to reform the way flood and coastal erosion risk management projects are funded, alongside a call for evidence on alternative funding sources and opportunities for greater local and regional involvement.

The consultation explored changes to national funding arrangements for flood and coastal erosion schemes, with the aim of improving long‑term resilience, supporting better outcomes for communities, and ensuring that investment is targeted effectively as climate risks increase.

Community Benefits and Shared Ownership for Low Carbon Energy Infrastructure – Working Paper

Consulting body: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Consultation period: 21 May 2025 to 16 July 2025
Council response submitted: July 2025

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero consulted on a Working Paper on Community Benefits and Shared Ownership for Low Carbon Energy Infrastructure, seeking views on proposals for mandatory community benefits and opportunities for shared ownership linked to low‑carbon energy developments.

The working paper explored how communities could benefit more directly from energy infrastructure projects, such as renewable energy schemes, through financial contributions, local investment opportunities or shared ownership arrangements. The consultation aimed to support public acceptance of low‑carbon infrastructure while contributing to local economic and social outcomes.

North Wessex Downs National Landscape Management Plan Review

Consulting body: North Wessex Downs National Landscape
Consultation period: Winter/Spring 2025
Council response submitted: April 2025

The North Wessex Downs National Landscape consulted on a draft revised Management Plan, seeking feedback from stakeholders on proposed priorities and actions for the future management of the landscape.

The Management Plan sets out a long‑term vision, objectives and policies for conserving and enhancing the natural beauty, heritage and character of the North Wessex Downs. It also addresses how the landscape should be managed in response to challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, development pressures and changing land use.

Housing, Communities and Wellbeing

Improving the Energy Performance of Privately Rented Homes – 2025 Update

Consulting body: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Consultation period: 7 February 2025 to 2 May 2025
Council response submitted: May 2025

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero consulted on proposals to improve the energy performance of privately rented homes, seeking views on raising minimum energy efficiency standards in the private rented sector in England and Wales by 2030.

The consultation focused on updates to existing proposals, including changes to minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) requirements, compliance timelines and exemptions. The aim of the proposals is to reduce carbon emissions, improve living conditions for tenants, and contribute to national climate and fuel‑poverty objectives.

Funding Arrangements for the Homelessness Prevention Grant from 2026/27 Onwards

Consulting body: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Consultation period: 28 January 2025 to 11 March 2025
Council response submitted: March 2025

MHCLG consulted on proposed changes to the funding arrangements for the Homelessness Prevention Grant from 2026/27 onwards, seeking views on an updated formula for allocating funding to local authorities.

The consultation aimed to ensure that future grant allocations better reflect levels of need, demand pressures and the role of local authorities in preventing and responding to homelessness. The proposals form part of wider considerations about the sustainability and effectiveness of homelessness prevention funding.

Reforming the Right to Buy

Consulting body: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Consultation period: 20 November 2024 to 15 January 2025
Council response submitted: January 2025

HM Government consulted on proposals to reform the Right to Buy scheme, seeking views on how it could be changed to deliver a fairer and more sustainable approach to social housing sales.

The consultation explored potential reforms aimed at balancing the benefits of home ownership with the need to protect and grow the supply of social and affordable housing. Proposals covered issues such as eligibility, discounts, replacement of sold homes, and the long‑term impact of Right to Buy on local housing availability.