Cherwell District Council has received confirmation from the Planning Inspector that the examination of the Cherwell Local Plan Review 2042 can continue.
Published: Tuesday, 25th August 2026
The Local Plan is intended to provide a clear framework for managing future growth, supporting infrastructure and giving communities more certainty about how Cherwell will develop in the future.
Developed over several years, the Local Plan has been shaped by extensive consultation, evidence gathering and engagement with residents, businesses, partner organisations and statutory bodies. It is currently undergoing independent examination by the Planning Inspectorate, which is an important stage that helps ensure Local Plans are robust, evidence-based and can meet an area's future needs.
The Inspector's response is a positive step forward for the Local Plan and an important milestone in the examination process, confirming that the Plan satisfies the relevant transitional arrangements and can continue to be examined against the December 2023 National Planning Policy Framework.
This means the examination can now move forward to the next stage, with further hearings to be arranged in due course.
The council remains committed to securing a planning framework that helps ensure development is properly planned, infrastructure is delivered alongside growth, and Cherwell's environment and character are protected.
Councillor Chris Aramini-Brant, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Planning and Enforcement, said: "This is really positive news for Cherwell and an important step forward for our Local Plan.
"We submitted the Plan for independent examination in July 2025, so I'm pleased that we now have confirmation from the Inspector that it can move forward to the next stage.
"Having an up-to-date Local Plan is vital if we are going to deliver the homes and communities Cherwell needs in the right places, supported by the appropriate infrastructure, while protecting what makes our district special.
"There is still more work to do before the Plan can be adopted, but this is an important milestone and we look forward to getting on with the next stage."
Further details on future hearing sessions and the next stages of the examination process will be published once confirmed.
More information about the Local Plan is available at www.cherwell.gov.uk/local-plan-review-examination