Quiet lanes

Quiet lanes are designed to pay special attention to the needs of walkers, cyclists and horse riders, and reduce the problems caused by the volume and speed of traffic and the presence of heavy lorries.

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Neighbourhood plans

Photo: Geoff Botting

The Localism Act, which came into force in November 2011, introduced provisions for neighbourhood planning. But what’s it all about and what does it mean for communities in Oxfordshire? There are three main elements to neighbourhood planning: 1 Neighbourhood Development Plans – these are very localised versions of Local Plans and will include polices on…

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Oxpens meadow

Photo: Friends of Oxpens Meadow

Oxpens meadow is one of the last remaining vestiges of open green space in Oxford’s West End area. It is a well-maintained field next to the ice rink used by walkers, residents and sportspeople. It is owned by the City Council and measures about 2 hectares (5 acres). It’s bounded to the south by the…

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The Abingdon Reservoir Proposal

Map: from GARD: http://www.abingdonreservoir.org.uk

CPRE Oxfordshire opposes the proposed Upper Thames Reservoir near Abingdon. Thames Water should concentrate on reducing leakage, improving water conservation and identifying more environmentally sustainable solutions to future water supply.

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National Planning Policy Framework

When the Government published its draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in summer 2011 it seemed unprepared for the uproar that followed. The document sought to replace existing planning policy guidelines with a single 50-page outline framework. It combined a ‘presumption in favour of sustainable development’ with a seemingly one-sided focus on economic objectives.

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