Examination of the Mid Cherwell Regulation 16 Modified Neighbourhood Plan
Mr Andrew Ashcroft has been appointed as the Examiner for the Mid Cherwell Modified Neighbourhood Plan.
14 October 2026- Following Mr Ashcroft's conclusion that it is necessary to hold a hearing, he has issued a hearing note outlining the arrangements and invitees for the day.
The hearing will be held on 12 November 2026 at Steeple Aston Village Hall, OX25 2SF.
His note, including more detailed information can be accessed here.
8 October 2026- Mr Ashcroft has concluded that it is necessary to hold a hearing on the following elements of the Plan:
- the way in which the Plan responds to the emerging strategic housing requirement for the neighbourhood area;
- the proposed distribution of housing allocations throughout the neighbourhood area;
- the details associated with the allocation of land for housing purposes as set out in Policies MC3, MC4, and MC7 of the plan; and
- the proposed Local Gaps (Policy MC10).
His detailed note can be accessed here.
Further details including the date and venue for the hearing will be provided here in due course.
27 July 2026- Notice of Consultation on Legal Compliance and Basic Conditions changes.
The Examiner provided the opportunity for those with an interest in the modified Neighbourhood Plan to comment, if they wished, on the Legal Compliance and Basic Conditions changes so far as they related to the Modified Neighbourhood Plan.
The changes relating to Legal Compliance and Basic Conditions are introduced through Regulations 98 and 99 of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 and came into force on 25 March 2026.
Any comments on how these changes related to the Mid-Cherwell Modified Neighbourhood Plan were requested in writing to Cherwell District Council by 6pm Tuesday, 1 September 2026.
All responses received were forwarded to the Examiner.
Responses to the Legal Compliance and Basic Conditions Changes Consultation
Oxfordshire County Council Minerals and Waste
Mid Cherwell Neighbourhood Plan Forum
22 July 2026- The Qualifying Body has responded to the Examiner’s request and have produced a Basic Conditions Statement Addendum . Responses from the qualifying body and Cherwell District Council to the Examiner’s clarification note can be found below.
Addendum to the Basic Conditions Statement, July 2026
Table of Examiner's questions with MCNP responses
Schedule of proposed Minor Amendments
Mid-Cherwell NP Site Assessment Review
Explanatory Note on MCNP Policy MC1 - June 2026
Regulation 16 Responses with MCNP Comments- June 2026
Cherwell District Council Response
CDC response to the Examiner’s clarification note
3 July 2026 – As the Basic Conditions were revised at the end of March 2026 with the enactment of Sections 98 and 99 of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act, the submitted Basic Conditions Statement (November 2025) is out of date. The Examiner has therefore requested that the Qualifying Body update their submitted Basic Conditions Statement or produce an addendum to it.
3 July 2026 – Examiner’s Clarification Note.
17 June 2026 – Examiner’s Note: Examination Arrangements.