A plan to guide development and protect north Oxfordshire’s environment is reaching an important milestone.
Published: Friday, 13th February 2026
Public hearings conducted by Government-appointed inspectors on Cherwell District Council’s Local Plan Review 2042 begin on Tuesday, 17 February. It is a key part of the process that new local plans have to go through once they are submitted for independent examination.
The hearings will take place in the council chamber, but as seating is limited, they will be available for members of the public to watch online.
The Cherwell Local Plan Review 2042 has been prepared to meet north Oxfordshire’s needs in the coming years, protect its environment, and secure sustainable development.
Councillor Jean Conway, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Development Management, said: “The new Local Plan is a key priority of this administration. It will help us protect Cherwell’s heritage assets, green spaces and biodiversity, while providing an up-to-date, evidence-based vision for the delivery of new homes, employment, and supporting infrastructure in the years to come.
“It is a rigorous and positively prepared Plan and we are proud to be steering it through this next key stage of the process.”
Preparation of the new Local Plan has included four public consultations, meticulous evidence gathering, cooperation with neighbouring planning authorities, and consideration of feedback received from the public and stakeholder bodies.
As part of the examination, the inspectors consider not only the Local Plan itself, but all representations received during the most recent consultation.
The initial hearings are scheduled to conclude by Friday, 20 February, with further sessions likely in the summer.
Further information about the examination and details of how to watch the hearings online are available here.