Out-Law News 1 min. read

Examiner approves Thame Neighbourhood Plan


South Oxfordshire District Council is set to decide whether Thame Town Council's neighbourhood plan should proceed to referendum, following approval by an examiner (35-page / 233KB PDF). 

The plan sets out a vision for Thame (92-page / 6.02MB PDF), which includes the construction of an additional 775 homes, three hectares of new employment land and up to 5,700 square metres of new retail within the town centre. It also sets out potential locations for a new community facility, plans for new and improved connections in and around the town and new and improved open spaces.

The examiner said in his report that the plan had undergone an "exemplary public consultation process" and that it "sets out a clear and deliverable vision for a neighbourhood area".

"As one of the first neighbourhood plans in the country, and the first to contain land allocations and a hearing, Thame Town Council had little in the way of precedent, or examples from elsewhere," the examiner said.

"To have produced a plan of such high quality is testament to the energy, commitment and hard work of all involved. As a result, the Thame Neighbourhood Plan reflects the passion and pride that local people have for the area," he said.

The plan could be the third of its kind in the country to go to referendum. It follows the Upper Eden Neighbourhood Plan, which was approved by referendum yesterday, and the St James Exeter Neighbourhood Plan, which will be considered by Exeter City Council on 19 March and could go to referendum on 2 May.

Subject to Council approval, the referendum for the Thame plan is also set to be held on 2 May.

We are processing your request. \n Thank you for your patience. An error occurred. This could be due to inactivity on the page - please try again.