Local government reorganisation
The Government has commenced the statutory consultation relating to the reorganisation of local government in Oxfordshire. You will recall that there are three possible options:
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One whole-Oxfordshire unitary council
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Two unitary councils, with West Oxfordshire, Cherwell and City in one unitary and West Berks, South Oxon and Vale of White Horse in another
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Three unitary councils, promoted by the City Council, which would see Greater Oxford as one unitary, a tiny West and rump of Cherwell another, and a Vale/South/West Berks unitary
I have no doubt that a single unitary will deliver the best services, the quickest and highest savings, and avoid breaking up critical social services. It will also have the least effect on what Eynsham residents pay in council tax and other charges, because it is the option that balances out the substantial additional costs incurred in the City across the widest population.
Planning applications
Planning is almost entirely a responsibility of West Oxfordshire District Council, but the County Council has influence as a statutory consultee on applications.
I am pleased to say that the proposed development off the A40 (by the layby to the west of Eynsham)e was rejected by District Council officers, on the grounds that it was incompatible with the development of West Eynsham.
I have objected as your County Councillor to the proposed development to the east of Pinkhill Lane, with a new junction onto the ‘ringroad’ and hope that County Council officers will follow suit. I know the Parish Council has also objected. Among many other issues are the effect on traffic, the unsuitability of the site for people to walk or cycle into the village, flooding issues and it being outside the “natural” shape of the village.