CPRE Oxfordshire Bulletin - Spring 2012

Spring 2012

Oxfordshire www.cpreoxon.org.uk

Planning The NPPF: better or worse for Oxfordshire?

bulletin

Communities The pros and cons of neighbourhood planning

Local places CPRE discount to Oxfordshire houses & gardens

OXFORDSHIRE

BULLETIN Chairman’s voice Spring 2012

Features 3 Vale’s Interim Housing Supply Policy

6 & 11

Farming and transport updates

8 Planning changes: how the

NPPF will affect Oxfordshire

10 Neighbourhood planning in Oxfordshire

15 Oxfordshire houses and

gardens: discounted entry for CPRE members

16 CPRE Oxfordshire Branch AGM, 30 June

DIRECTORY Views expressed in the Bulletin are not necessarily those of CPRE Oxfordshire, which welcomes independent comment.

Editor: Helen Marshall Cover photo: Badbury Woods, near Great Coxwell

by Jane Tomlinson Articles, letters, comments and suggestions for articles are welcome. Please contact the Branch Office below.

Published May 2012 District Chairmen CPRE Oxfordshire Branch Brian Wood 01869 337904 Brianwood77@aol.com Banbury: Chris Hone 01295 265379 Bicester: Bruce Tremayne 01865 331289 bruce.tremayne@trek.demon.co.uk Henley & Mapledurham: Judith Crockett 01491 612801. judith.crockett@btinternet.com Oxford: Sietske Boeles 01865 728153 sietske.boeles@ntlworld.com Thame & Bullingdon: Michael Tyce 01844 339274 tycehouse@camcott.co.uk Vale of White Horse: Peter Collins St Edmunds Hall, Oxford OX1 4AR Wallingford: Arnold Grayson 01491 837193 ArnoldGrayson@aol.com West Oxfordshire: Gillian Salway 01865 881934 salwaypg@btinternet.com Branch Office CPRE Oxfordshire, Punches Barn, Waterperry Road, Holton, Oxfordshire OX33 1PP (Registered office) T: 01865 874780 E: administrator@cpreoxon.org.uk

www.cpreoxon.org.uk Follow us on Twitter @CPREOxfordshire and like us on www.facebook.com/CPREOxfordshire CPRE Oxfordshire is registered in England as Charity No.1093081 and Company No. 4443278.

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It has been a dramatic year for Oxfordshire CPRE. We have been battered by government attempts to increase economic growth at the expense of the environment. And we have re-organised our office in Holton to make it more able to meet the challenges which lie ahead.

and supporters has paid off.

It focuses more on planning at a local level than on nationally set targets, and states that brownfield sites will be prioritised. Crucially, the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside will be taken into account.

How NPPF will work in practice remains to be seen. See page 8 for a full report.

The year has been dominated by the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Announced in last year, it had been influenced by property developing interests. When we pointed out that planning should be a balance between economic, social and environmental considerations, we were denounced as hysterical. The consultation became a denunciation of our views, including by some of our local MPs. Happily, the final NPPF, published in March is much more acceptable. The effort put in by organisations, members

We have had a couple of good years financially, and while continued legacies and donations cannot be relied on, we decided to make a new appointment, as I reported in the previous issue, of Helen Marshall as branch director. More recently we appointed Jane Tomlinson as PR manager. We now have a team in place to develop branch activities for the challenges ahead. We need more active members, more supporters and will be grateful for any contribution to our financial resources so we can continue our crucial work.

Brian Wood Chairman, CPRE Oxfordshire

Will you speak up for our countryside?

CPRE Oxfordshire is looking for volunteer speakers and speaking opportunities throughout the county. Can you help?

We know many of our members also belong to other local organisations such as Rotary, Women’s Institute, local environment or history groups and parish councils. Do you know a group that might be interested in hosting a talk by CPRE Oxfordshire?

If so, please suggest us and let us know who to contact.

CPRE Oxfordshire has an amazing story to tell. For more than 80 years, we have influenced the way the local landscape is protected and improved.

Our history is entwined with the county’s history and the changes that have taken place in its transport, infrastructure, housing, farming and

communities. And we’re still at the forefront of influencing policy.

When people understand the difference we continue to make, they are often inspired to join us. That’s why we’d love the chance to share our story with people at your groups.

We can talk about changes in the planning system including the challenges and opportunities these present. And we can talk about hedgerows, minerals, footpaths, litter, waste, light pollution and renewable energy.

If you are happy giving presentations, can you give a talk on behalf of CPRE? Get in touch for a chat about what might be involved and how we can support you. Call us 01865 874780 or e-mail campaign@cpreoxon.org.uk

CPRE Oxfordshire Bulletin Spring 2012

Over the past few months, CPRE Vale of White Horse District has been voicing its concerns about the District Council’s proposed new Interim Housing Supply Policy (IHSP).

The policy outlines the District Council’s proposals to deal with a temporary shortfall in its five year housing supply, caused largely by delays in major development sites at Grove and Didcot. This includes relaxing restrictions on building on greenfield sites outside settlement boundaries. It also suggests figures for acceptable housing numbers in villages, based on the idea of ‘proportionate growth’ of the current population. However, this fails to take into account local services and facilities, the level of recent development already accommodated and the intrinsic value of the countryside. It is not clear what the impact would be on affordable housing and rural exception sites.

We are pleased that the Council has recognised the damage this policy could do within the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and that it now proposes excluding the area from the IHSP, in line with comments from CPRE. However, there is still no doubt that the policy will have a significant impact on our local landscape with

jane tomlinson

Vale’s Interim Housing Supply Policy

around 95% of the proposed housing occurring either outside or near settlement boundaries.

The new National Planning Policy Framework (see p8) indicates that existing planning permissions may be taken into account when calculating the five year housing supply, even if the houses are not yet built.

CPRE therefore believes that if the Grove Airfield development receives planning permission, the Council’s five year housing supply would be restored and the premise behind the IHSP would be void. We believe the Council should be concentrating its efforts

Minerals Oxfordshire County Council has put forward its proposed Minerals Planning Strategy which sets out its plans for minerals extraction in the county until 2030. The policy will be subject to an Examination in Public later in the summer.

Arnold Grayson, CPRE’s local minerals consultant, says: “The Council is

on bringing forward this planning application and the Core Strategy as a whole, rather than the short-term interim policy that will clearly have a long-term impact.

The proposed policy has been accepted by the Cabinet of the Vale of White Horse District, and is due to go before the full Council during May. CPRE Vale of White Horse District continues to campaign for a proper assessment of the needs and capacity of our towns and villages, rather than the first come, first served approach outlined in the IHSP.

Why I volunteer with CPRE currently suggesting a figure of 1.2 million tonnes a year. We think this could come down by around a third, to 870,000 tonnes. Changes in building design and construction methods mean that less sand and gravel is now needed by the construction industry.

There is also a greater supply of marine sand and gravel and recycled material available.”

Join the debate. Join the campaign. Join CPRE

“Having grown up in the countryside I can’t imagine living anywhere else and want to preserve the Green Belt for the enjoyment of future generations.”

Nick Arthur, CPRE Campaigns Assistant

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One we won…

ANDREW CARTER

The Vale of White Horse District Council has turned down an application from Hanson plc for sand extraction at Longworth (above). CPRE had argued that the site lies on the Oxfordshire Corallian Ridge, an area of significant geological and landscape importance hitherto free from commercial quarrying.

Dark skies Thanks to all those who took part in our annual Star Count Survey earlier this year, organised by CPRE and the Campaign for Dark Skies. Sadly, the results suggest that there has been no real improvement in the amount of wasted light being pumped into Britain’s skies and most people still experience severe light pollution.

…and one we lost (for now) ANDREW CARTER

Just over half (53 per cent) of the people taking part could see 10 stars or fewer within the constellation of Orion - indicating severe light pollution in their area. Almost one thousand location reports revealed that only one in ten (9 per cent) participants could see between 21

and 30 stars and just two per cent of people had truly dark skies, seeing 31 or more stars.

Hopefully the situation may improve in the future. The new planning guidelines (see p.8) say that planning should ‘limit the impact of light pollution from artificial light on local amenity, intrinsically dark landscapes and nature conservation’.

Meanwhile however, CPRE Oxfordshire believes there is nowhere in our county totally unaffected by light pollution. If you know differently, please tell us!

Newest recruit

CPRE Vale of White Horse District objected to an application from H Tuckwells in relation to sand and gravel extraction at Thrupp Lane, Abingdon, on the basis that it would do nothing to address the horrendous traffic problems along the road. The Council passed the application but did introduce a new condition requiring a production limit for the plant so as to avoid completely unreasonable flows of traffic. There are also ongoing talks about alternative routes for the HGVs. 4

Jane Tomlinson is CPRE Oxfordshire’s new PR manager.

For the past decade Jane worked for a women’s charity in Oxford organising websites, publicity and social media.

“But” she explains “I always wanted to work for an environmental charity because I’m bonkers about the natural world. Using natural resources sustainably and caring for our environment is just about the most important thing the human race should be doing right now. And where better to start than right here at home in beautiful Oxfordshire?”

“I’m delighted to be working for CPRE Oxfordshire and look forward to making a difference.”

Jane has lived in West Oxfordshire for 20 years and recently ran a campaign about the environmental and social injustices of the Swinford Toll bridge, getting global media coverage.

She is an artist and makes paintings celebrating the diversity of the natural world. She shows her work every year during Artweeks, Oxfordshire’s visual arts festival. Among Jane’s varied interests she lists birding, neolithic archaeology, horse riding, blogging and Scandinavian crime fiction.

CPRE Oxfordshire Bulletin Spring 2012

Sarah milliken ANDREW CARTER

Its response to the final consultation on the Sites and Housing DPD demonstrated how the large number of new dwellings proposed for Blackbird Leys and Littlemore would reduce the amount of accessible green space in this part of the city to only 1.9 hectares per 1000 population, compared with the City Council’s own standard of 5.75 ha/1000. This decline would be significantly reduced if the

Visit our website at www.cpreoxon.org.uk or call the Branch office on 01865 874780.

If you are concerned about litter in your area, and are having little success getting it removed, a Litter Abatement Order may be what you need.

If you would like to get involved and help keep Oxfordshire clean there will be another litter pick on Saturday 6 October. CPRE Oxfordshire will be hosting this event at East Minchery Farm and along the north side of Grenoble Road.

This will be followed by a guided walk along the Roman Way footpath finishing with refreshments in Marsh Baldon.

Our simple guide to Litter Abatement Orders explains how any member of the public fed up with a litter hot spot can take action to get the area cleaned up.

The huge amount of litter, scrap and fly tip collected was higher than last year with even more locations being tackled

CPRE Oxford District has continued to lobby the City Council over the inadequate provision of green space in some parts of the city.

for the first time and major inroads made into litter that has become embedded over the years.

Local Authorities, The Highways Agency, Network Rail and other public bodies have a legal obligation to keep land under their control clear of litter. Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 they should do whatever is necessary to ensure that land is in a suitable condition.

In March, CPRE Oxford joined residents from Blackbird Leys Estate to clear litter at East Minchery Farm. The event was part of OxClean 2012, with more than 2,000 people from 127 community groups and schools from across Oxford taking part.

Barton Nature Park

Rubbish response

This event is being run as part of our nationwide Stop the Drop campaign and has been very kindly sponsored by The David Harding Foundation.

To register your interest E: campaign@cpreoxon.org.uk T: 01865 874780

Oxford Green Spaces Campaign update East Minchery Farm Allotments were to be left undeveloped and the whole site turned into a public open space, as the residents wish.

In a similar vein, the committee’s response to the final consultation on the Barton AAP demonstrated how development on the site of the Nature Park would result in a significant net loss of accessible green space, potentially reducing it in this urban village to only 1.6 hectares per 1000 population.

The committee submitted a robust response to the consultation on the City Council’s draft Green Spaces Strategy by highlighting its deviation from best practice guidance, including the lack of an up-to-date audit of green spaces, the absence of details of how the strategy will be monitored and reviewed, and the inadequate public engagement in the preparation of the draft strategy document.

The committee is organising an art exhibition with the theme of ‘Lost

Join the debate. Join the campaign. Join CPRE

Landscapes’ which will coincide with Oxford Open Doors in September. Local artists will be invited to produce a new work of art that responds to one of the green spaces in the city that has been earmarked for development. The timing of the exhibition coincides with the examination in public of the Sites and Housing DPD, and is intended to raise awareness of the work that CPRE does within the city.

To register an interest in taking part in the Lost Landscapes exhibition, please call us on 01865 874780 or e-mail campaign@cpreoxon.org.uk

Why I volunteer with CPRE “I first joined CPRE as a means to help restrict development in the parish (Waterstock) and in particular to slow the development of wind farms.”

Michael Tyce, Chair, CPRE Thame

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Angus Dart, CPRE Oxfordshire’s farming consultant

Our farm uses a five-year rotation to grow a range of crops. Between harvesting one crop and planting the next we bale straw for livestock, spread farmyard manure and prepare the ground so that the next crop gets the best opportunity to establish itself.

For more than two thousand years the traditional way to prepare the ground for the next has been to plough.

Technology has changed the plough from wood to steel and from four legs to four wheels.

In the last 30 to 40 years as fossil fuels have become more expensive than ever, techniques have to deal with the previous crop residue which involve scratching rather than turning the soil. Over the last decade machinery working widths have been designed to be compatible and track widths synchronised. So in all stages of growing to harvesting, all machines run in the same lanes across the field, 6

guaranteed to within 2cms by satellite guidance technology. This Controlled Traffic Farming results in higher crop yield, lower cultivation costs and improved soil structure.

Vision for the Future of Farming

How quickly innovation, invention and technology changes agricultural practices! In fewer than three cropping cycles (15 years) on our farm, it might well be possible for CPRE’s vision for the future of farming to become a reality.

In the mid-20th century, farmers were encouraged and incentivised by politicians to ‘feed the nation’. We had to, and we did. Things had to change, they always do. As a practical and open-minded farmer I value both the knowledge gained by the pastoral organic sector as equally as I value the expertise of super-dairies. Both show the necessity of a range – a biodiversity – of farming systems in an increasingly uncertain world.

Recently CPRE published its Vision for the Future of Farming.

It describes the changes to farming practice and agricultural policy that we would like to see by 2026. It includes: a price premium for famers who adopt environmental sustainability standards; fairer milk prices for dairy farmers; and farms producing renewable energy through sensitively designed, small-scale schemes.

For a free copy see www.cpreoxon.org.uk E: campaign@cpreoxon.org.uk T: 01865 874780

CPRE Oxfordshire Bulletin Spring 2012

rob bowker

A biodiversity of farming systems

ANDREW CARTER

80 birthday trees…

The land was provided by Countryside Properties (Bicester) Limited as part of its Kingsmere development in South West Bicester and the planting forms part of its extensive landscaping design for the new community.

said: “The copse is a small contribution to a natural barrier, helping to protect the surrounding villages as Bicester itself expands. It’s a fitting tribute to CPRE’s 80 years of caring for and protecting our local landscape.”

ANDREW CARTER

Our final celebration event was the planting of a copse of 80 trees near Bicester.

…and one more

The trees were planted by local company Nicholsons of North Aston, and are all native species including oak, ash, field maple and lime.

Bruce Tremayne, Chair of CPRE Bicester,

Local Nature Partnership Oxfordshire Nature Conservation Forum is leading work in the county to develop a Local Nature Partnership (LNP). Proposed

by Defra, LNPs are intended to be strategic partnerships of local people, organisations and businesses all committed to ensuring the natural environment is valued, protected and improved.

The Government’s stated intention is to add LNPs to the Duty to

Co-operate in the Local Planning Regulations. This will mean that bodies bound by the duty will need to have regard to the views of LNPs on strategic planning matters.

CPRE Oxfordshire continues to take a close interest in the potential Oxfordshire LNP as its aims, structure and funding are defined.

Defra aims to recognise the first LNPs later this summer.

Join the debate. Join the campaign. Join CPRE

CPRE Oxfordshire’s President Anne Kelaart (pictured left) planted an oak tree in Wallingford Castle Meadows to mark the Branch’s 80th anniversary.

She was joined by Councillor Ann Ducker, Leader of South Oxfordshire District Council (pictured right), plus The Mayor of Wallingford Councillor Colin Dolton, Arnold Grayson, Chairman of CPRE Wallingford District, and other guests.

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The National Plannin – 10 things you need

Planning changes Over the last year, CPRE has led a strong campaign to influence the Government’s proposals for a complete re-working of the planning guidelines. So how does the final National Planning Policy Framework, published in March, shape up?

When the Government published its draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) last summer, it seemed quite 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 onesided focus on economic objectives, and set off one of CPRE’s strongest campaigns in years.

In Oxfordshire, we played our part, alerting our members, talking with the media and seeking to engage with our, at times reluctant, local MPs. Thank you to all of you who joined in by writing or emailing your MP or the Minister, Greg Clark.

We are happy to report that the campaigning has led to significant steps in the right direction.

Why I volunteer with CPRE “I care for the countryside and being fortunate to live in the Chilterns AONB, I feel I must work to protect it and the rest of the Henley and Mapledurham area.”

Judith Crockett, Chair of CPRE Henley & Mapledurham District

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1. Definition of sustainable development

The full National Planning Policy Framework is currently only available online, via the Department for Communities and Local Government – www.communities.gov.uk

The final document now includes a definition of sustainable development, has a renewed emphasis on using brownfield sites and, most importantly of all, recognises the intrinsic value of the countryside in its own right.

One of CPRE’s key campaign asks, this is now included. It draws on the UK Sustainable Development Strategy’s five ‘guiding principles’: living within the planet’s environmental limits; ensuring a strong, healthy and just society; achieving a sustainable economy; promoting good governance; and using sound science responsibly.

2. Recognition of the intrinsic value of the countryside This was another vital campaign ask, and it is now included. Planning must ‘take account of the different roles and characters of different areas… recognising the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside and supporting thriving rural communities within it’.

3. Green Belts & Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) With the Oxford Green Belt and three AONBs within Oxfordshire, protected landscape is of huge significance to our county. The NPPF says ‘the Government attaches great importance to Green Belts… the essential characteristics of Green Belts are their openness and their permanence.’

It also says ‘great weight should be given to conserving landscape and scenic beauty in… AONBs’. Some of the detailed guidance remains unchanged but we remain concerned that overall the wording is not as strong or as clear as previous planning policy.

Of course, concerns remain. There is still a worrying focus on short-term economic objectives rather than longterm thinking. And the wording is still vague and imprecise enough to leave no one but lawyers entirely happy.

Local authorities have just 12 months to get their local development plans in place which may be a challenge for some of our Oxfordshire districts.

Naturally we will be continuing to monitor the impacts of the policy as it is implemented. Indeed, if you hear of examples (either good or bad) of the NPPF in action, then do let us know. However, it does seem as though economic, social and environmental concerns are far more balanced than first envisaged.

4. Local Plans

Thank you to all of you who helped to stand up for our countryside. Your support has made a real difference in protecting our landscape for the future.

The NPPF puts great emphasis on the importance of local decision-making, through the Local Plans (known as Core Strategies) developed by local authorities.

However many councils, including four out of five of Oxfordshire’s District Councils, do not yet have these plans in place. They now have just 12 months to push them through, otherwise the NPPF will theoretically take precedence over local views although ‘decision-makers may also give weight to relevant policies in emerging plans’.

CPRE Oxfordshire Bulletin Spring 2012

ng Policy Framework in Oxfordshire to know Oxford City Council does have a Core Strategy in place but this will need to be reviewed in line with the NPPF and may need to be revised. The process for undertaking this is not yet clear.

for development, but could risk pushing up prices out of the reach of organisations such as Housing Associations or lead to market development being pushed through via the back door.

CPRE broadly welcomes this move to decision-making at a more local level.

Whilst we hope our local Councils will move quickly to get their plans in place, this should not be at the expense of appropriate public involvement and consultation.

8. Brownfield & empty homes

5. Five year housing supply Local authorities should plan for sufficient housing to provide five years’ supply against their housing requirements. Crucially, the NPPF indicates that houses with planning permission count towards the five year supply, even if they are not yet built. This completely undermines the argument the Vale of White Horse District Council has used to justify its proposed Interim Housing Supply Policy, which plans to relax planning restrictions on greenfield sites to meet the five year supply target. (See p.3)

6. Windfall sites Windfall sites are those which become available for development unexpectedly and are therefore not included as allocated land in a planning authority’s development plan. The NPPF says that local authorities can take windfall sites into account within their five year housing supply ‘if they have compelling evidence that such sites have consistently become available in the local area’. Last year, South Oxfordshire District Council’s draft Core Strategy was rejected by the Planning Inspectorate because it contained an allowance for windfall sites. It may be that the NPPF means this decision might have to be re-visited.

7. Affordable housing The NPPF retains the rural exception site policy, which allows for affordable housing for local people on sites that would not normally be considered for development. However, it now also gives local authorities the power to allow ‘small numbers of market homes’ on these sites if that helps to facilitate the affordable housing. This may help bring forward land

Retaining the ‘brownfield first’ policy was another of CPRE’s main campaign asks.

The final NPPF goes at least some way towards this, saying that planning should ‘encourage the effective use of land by re-using land that has been previously developed (brownfield land), provided that it is not of high environmental value. Local planning authorities may continue to consider the case for setting a locally appropriate target for the use of brownfield land’. It also says that local authorities should identify empty housing and buildings and bring them back into residential use.

9. Outdoor advertising The wording on outdoor advertising remains weak in the final NPPF. Whilst it acknowledges that ‘poorly placed advertisements can have a negative impact on the appearance of the built and natural environment’, it goes on to say that ‘advertisements should be subject to control only in the interests of amenity and public safety, taking account of cumulative impacts’.

10. Local Green Spaces The NPPF introduces a new designation of ‘Local Green Space’, green areas that local people identify as particularly important and that will be given similar protection to Green Belts. This will be an important, but very limited, tool for communities to protect the spaces they value. The designation confers no right for the public to access the land and there are severe restrictions on when it can be used. The NPPF itself says this ‘will not be appropriate for most green areas or open space’. In addition, Local Green Spaces can only be designated when a local development plan is prepared or reviewed. It is not clear what this means for the people of Oxford City, where the District Council already has a Core Strategy in place running until 2026.

Join the debate. Join the campaign. Join CPRE

NPPF – Oxfordshire voices Helen Marshall, Director, CPRE Oxfordshire: The final NPPF is a great improvement on the original draft, although it was a very low starting point. We have proved both why CPRE is so needed and how effective we are in our campaigning.

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Dr Ian Scargill, Oxford Green Belt Network: We welcome changes to the NPPF which strengthen Green Belt protection, particularly the note which appears to exclude Green Belts from the presumption in favour of sustainable development.

But we regret that there is no reference to quality of landscape not being relevant to the inclusion of land in Green Belts, and we have fears of what might come forward under Community Right to Build Orders together with engineering and transport operations.

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Christine Lalley, Oxfordshire Association of Local Councils: The clock is ticking for local authorities to get their Core Strategy/Local Plan in place and in conformity with the NPPF. We will wait to see how affordable rural housing will be delivered via cross subsidy on exception sites.

It is a hugely challenging time for town and parish councils; they are valiantly trying to keep up will the massive amount of new legislation which is cascading down onto them.

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ANDREW CARTER

Neighbourhood plans 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 the development and use of land.

2 Neighbourhood Development Orders (NDOs) – these can grant planning permission for a certain type of development, in a certain area. The permission can be unconditional or subject to approval by the relevant planning authority, which in this case could be the parish council.

3 Community Right to Build Orders – these are a special type of NDO that can be prepared by a community organisation. They will grant planning permission for a specified development in relation to a specified site.

What is a neighbourhood and who is responsible for neighbourhood planning?

Neighbourhood plans can only be prepared by the relevant town or parish council or, where neither of these exists, a ‘neighbourhood forum’ designated by the local planning authority.

Once a plan is drawn up, it must be submitted to the local planning authority to ensure it complies with regulations.

It is then put forward for Independent Examination by the Planning Inspectorate. Finally, the plans must be approved by more than 50% of those voting in a local referendum. Presuming it gets through all these stages, the local authority must adopt it as part of the local development plan.

Who pays?

The local planning authority must pay for the Independent Examination, the referendum and any administration associated with processing the plan.

However, the costs of developing the plan itself have to be met by the parish or town council, or neighbourhood forum.

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The Localism Act, which came into force in November last year, introduced provisions for neighbourhood planning. So what’s it all about and what does it mean for communities in Oxfordshire?

The opportunities & challenges

What’s happening in Oxfordshire

Theoretically, this puts decision-making back into the hands of local people. Done well, neighbourhood plans could bring communities together around a positive vision for their area and a clear plan for sustainable development.

To encourage take up of neighbourhood plans, the Government has identified a number of Front Runners to receive grant funding of £20,000. In Oxfordshire these are: Banbury, Chipping Norton, Faringdon, Thame, Woodcote and Wroxton.

If it works as the Government hopes, these plans will feed strongly into Local Plans and we will all live happily ever after!

We hope to have a fuller report on their progress in the next issue of the Bulletin.

Of course, it is not quite as simple as that… Firstly, neighbourhood plans will have to conform with the strategic elements of the Local Plan, including housing and economic development requirements. In turn, Local Plans have to be in conformity with the National Planning Policy Framework (see p.8).

So, it seems it will be OK for local communities to say ‘yes’ to development, but ‘no’ is still not a valid response.

Secondly, neighbourhood planning could cost local communities a great deal, both in terms of time and money, with figures of anywhere between £17,000 and £70,000 being thrown around. Advice and support from external consultants can quickly push costs up.

So, whilst preparing these plans might prove a useful exercise, expectations must be realistic about the work involved and the degree to which communities can set their own agenda.

Local planning authorities will have an important role to play in this as they will need to support communities through the process. However, with scarce resources, it is not clear how planning departments will cope with any significant influx of plans, especially when their priority may be on getting Core Strategies in place within the 12 month deadline set by the National Planning Policy Framework.

Further info: The Localism Act 2011 The Localism Act covers a wide range of topics in addition to neighbourhood plans. Planning changes include: l Paving the way for abolishing Regional

Strategies. l Placing a ‘duty to co-operate’ on local

planning authorities and county councils. l Removing an Inspector’s ability

to make binding changes to local plans when they are submitted for examination - changes will have to be referred back to the local authority. However, the Secretary of State still has the final say and can require the withdrawal of plans before adoption. l Introducing pre-application

community consultation on ‘very large’ planning applications. l Improving enforcement powers. l Passing decisions on nationally

significant infrastructure projects to the Secretary of State.

A plain English guide to the Localism Act is available via www.communities. gov.uk – or contact CPRE Oxfordshire for further information.

CPRE Oxfordshire Bulletin Spring 2012

rob bowker

Transport update

The Great Western main line crossing the Thames at Moulsford

Jim Fletcher, CPRE Oxfordshire transport consultant

But what does this mean for Oxfordshire?

The new high-speed railway project has all-party support. A judicial review of the decisions so far is possible. Four design contracts are about to be awarded for the line as far Birmingham. The plan has been significantly improved to include lowering the line as it crosses Oxfordshire. The terms of reference for the Environmental Impact study are open for consultation until May. CPRE continues to offer assistance to reduce the impact of the railway.

Electrification of the Great Western main line, including the branch to Oxford, is going ahead. The consultation on the proposed replacement of bridges has resulted in less disruption and the saving of a brick arch bridge at North Moreton.

Oxfordshire County Council’s strategy for railways proposes a new station for Wantage, and a study of reinstatement

of a rail link to Witney, Carterton and Brize Norton, all of which we welcome.

We have commented on the proposed long-term replacement for the First Great Western franchise affecting rural services and connections beyond the county.

The debate has re-opened on a possible Thames Estuary National Hub Airport with associated transport links to replace Heathrow. This bold and imaginative scheme would require long-term government commitment, which when it was recommended by a Commission of Inquiry nearly 40 years ago, did not happen. The alternative is continued congestion at existing South East airports, aircraft stacking and pollution over the Chilterns, and pressure to expand local airports such as Kidlington, now re-branded London Oxford. There, the owners wish to build a new passenger terminal and customs hall with all the associated traffic problems that this would bring.

The Government’s proposal to accelerate road-building schemes possibly with private finance could make it easier for the County Council’s local schemes such as Cogges Link Road to go ahead.

Interested in future transport plans? Hear Phil Goodwin, Emeritus Professor of Transport Policy, speak at CPRE Oxfordshire’s AGM – see back cover.

Join the debate. Join the campaign. Join CPRE

ANDREW CARTER

After many years of neglect, the Government is slowly edging towards a National Transport Policy. Lord Adonis, the previous Labour transport minister established making rail the preferred choice for intercity travel.

The Conservatives are firmly against a third Heathrow runway and the Lib Dems oppose any expansion of airport capacity in the South East. And there’s talk of a privately funded road-building programme.

Route of the Cogges Link Road

Wheels & Water Branch AGM

Members & non-members are welcome to CPRE Oxfordshire’s AGM at Wroxton Abbey near Banbury on Saturday 30 June.

Our speakers include Tora Hallatt from the Environment Agency, looking at how we need to manage our water needs, and Phil Goodwin, Emeritus Professor of Transport Policy, who will be looking at how our behaviour influences transport and travel.

See back cover for full details.

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A new report by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) highlights the dramatic proliferation of onshore wind turbines. In many cases these are damaging valued landscapes and intruding into some of the most tranquil areas of England. CPRE is calling for a locally accountable, strategically planned approach to onshore wind development.

Shaun Spiers, CPRE Chief Executive, says: “There is no easy way to provide the country with the energy we need. CPRE accepts onshore wind in the right places as part of the mix required to meet the UK’s carbon reduction targets, but we are seeing more and more giant turbines sited in inappropriate locations.

“The Government must take responsibility and set out far more clearly a framework for meeting the country’s energy needs while protecting our matchless countryside.”

The CPRE report: Generating light on landscape impacts: How to accommodate onshore wind while protecting the countryside is available via our website: www.cpreoxon.org.uk or T: 01865 874780.

Why I volunteer with CPRE “I value the countryside, I always have, and I am sad to see so much of it going. It is such a pity to see it concretified and lost forever, so I like to do whatever I can to help keep it as it is.”

Jean Tarver, Secretary of CPRE Banbury 12

rob bowker

CPRE calls for wind turbine strategy

Powering the future?

Judith Crockett, Chair, CPRE Henley & Mapledurham.

Judith is a shareholder in the Westfield Wind Farm

Blowing in the wind Last autumn twenty CPRE members visited Westmill Wind Farm, near Watchfield to learn more about this controversial form of alternative energy generation for themselves.

The wind farm took 16 years to establish. Residents feared the noise the turbines might create and that they may be an eyesore. The local gliding club worried about wind currents; wildlife enthusiasts were concerned for wild birds; residents thought the value of their houses would fall; teachers at a nearby school for autistic children wondered if the turbines would upset their pupils.

FACTS l The turbines can operate at wind

speeds of 10 to 15 mph l They turn at a constant 19 rpm l Each turbine is 50ms tall with

31ms, overall height 81ms l Their annual capacity is 12.6

gigaWatt hours, the equivalent annual consumption of 2,500 homes

All these objections were addressed during the long planning process, and most concerns proved groundless. There does not seem to have been any fall in house prices, the pupils are more concerned if a turbine stops turning, and the gliding club finds the turbines to be useful navigation feature. But there is one unsolved problem.

Residents of the nearest house, over 500 metres away, complain of low frequency infra-sound. This is difficult to measure accurately and its effects on people and animals are not well understood.

CPRE Oxfordshire Bulletin Spring 2012

photos: phil crockett

Mapledurham water power

As I approached the turbines I expected them to be very noisy, but standing at the base of the column all I could hear was a gentle swish.

My noise meter measured a tractor operating nearby as 75 to 80 decibels.

Just a little downwind of the turbine, the meter only registered 70 decibels.

The Westmill Wind Farm is a cooperative and runs an educational programme so people can learn about the alternative energy generation.

Indeed, each wind turbine has been adopted and named by a local school.

I may not have completely changed my mind about large wind farms, but this visit certainly gave me food for thought.

Photo realism?

In the same field as the turbines, an area of about 32 acres has been covered by photo-voltaic (PV) panels.

The area beneath the panels will grow wild flowers for seed. On a sunny day the panels can produce enough electricity for about 1,000 homes.

They stand about two metres high and are less visually intrusive than turbines, but whole hillsides covered with photo-voltaic panels could be as controversial as acres of polytunnels.

A new Archimedes Screw turbine is now generating hydro-electricity on the river Thames at Mapledurham watermill. The watermill is a 15th century listed building so it’s not surprising that the planning process took four years. The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings objected strongly as did English Heritage. It looked like the project was going nowhere. However, Dan Miles, an expert on timber-framed buildings reassured objectors that the plans would not interfere with the structure of the old mill in any way. Finally planning permission and listed building consent were granted.

The project required a licence from Environment Agency to extract water because water levels might be affected.

Some feared that fish would be harmed if caught in the screw turbine, but research proved that doesn’t happen.

A company from Devon with experience of a similar installation on the River Dart was responsible for the design and the Archimedes Screw turbine itself was manufactured in Germany. It was built and installed by a local engineering company.

The Archimedes Screw turbine is small compared to the Westmill Wind Turbines and the photo-voltaic array. Extreme care has been taken positioning of the turbine in relation to the old watermill but the modern structure inevitably has an impact on the appearance of the old building. It seems that whichever type of green energy you choose things are going to change. And that’s why we need to equip ourselves with the hard facts.

FACTS l The Archimedes Screw turbine is

4ms wide, 16ms long and weighs 21 and half tons l It began operating in autumn

2011 l It takes eight cubic metres of

water a second l It generates 2000kW hours every

24 hours

Join the debate. Join the campaign. Join CPRE

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If you prefer not cut out these forms, simply copy the information onto a separate sheet and put it in the post to the address given.

Nuneham Courtenay – 15 June Name_______________________________ Address _____________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________

CPRE Oxfordshire Branch

Events for members 2012 Here are the details of the events arranged for the next few months.

Please use the slips on the left to book events. Members are welcome to bring guests. If you need any further information please contact: Gill Salway T: 01865 881934, E: salwaypg@btinternet.com

Visit to Nuneham Courtenay House Friday 15 June at 2.30 p.m.

Tel._________________________________

Private guided tour including the house, chapel and garden/park, followed by tea.

E-mail_ _____________________________

The estate is owned by Oxford University but run by the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University.

Number of tickets (at £5 each)___________ Please send SAE and cheque payable to P.J. Clare, 24 Wootton Road, Abingdon, Oxon., OX14 1JD (tel. 01235 529509) by 1 June E-mail: petersusan.clare@btinternet.com Evenlode Valley Walk – 22 August

Cost: £5 per head plus SAE

Evenlode Valley Walk Wednesday 22 August, 10-12 noon (approx.)

An walk in the beautiful Evenlode valley starting in East End, North Leigh visiting North Leigh Roman Villa and Combe Church to see the wall paintings. We finish with coffee and biscuits at Sturt House. 3-4 miles, approx. 2 hours. Meet 10am in the lay-by at the top of the track to the Roman Villa.

Name_______________________________

Cost: No charge

Address _____________________________

September Guided walk round Chipping Norton Sunday 16 September, 2.00 p.m.

___________________________________ ___________________________________ Tel._________________________________ E-mail_ _____________________________ Number of guests_____________________ Please return to: Gill Salway, Smithy Cottage, Stanton Harcourt OX29 5RP. E-mail: salwaypg@btinternet.com Chipping Norton Guided Walk – 16 Sept.

Name_______________________________ Address _____________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ Tel._________________________________ E-mail_ _____________________________ Number attending (at £3 each)_ _________ Please return with a cheque payable to CPRE Oxfordshire to: Gill Salway, Smithy Cottage, Stanton Harcourt OX29 5RP. E-mail: 14 salwaypg@btinternet.com

A chance to get to know the attractive historic centre of Chipping Norton (the highest town in Oxfordshire!). Meet at Town Hall. Parking is available in the free public car park at the top of Worcester Road in the town centre.

Cost: £3 (Max. 20 people)

Stand up for your countryside All this for for just £3 a month!

Join CPRE Oxfordshire is a beautiful rural county with a glorious city at its heart. Help keep it rural, tranquil and beautiful.

You can join us in our work, make a donation or leave a legacy.

Membership of CPRE gives you: l

An active role in protecting our countryside

l

Both local and national membership of CPRE

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Access to local events and meetings

l

Oxfordshire Bulletin, our bi-annual CPRE Oxfordshire magazine

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Oxfordshire Campaign Briefing, a monthly e-mail newsletter detailing campaign updates

l

Countryside Voice, the official CPRE national magazine, three issues a year

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Half price admission to some of the finest houses and gardens in England.

www.cpreoxon.org.uk T: 01865 874780 E: campaign@cpreoxon.org.uk

CPRE Oxfordshire Bulletin Spring 2012

Houses and gardens: get the most out of your CPRE membership Your membership of the Campaign to Protect Rural England gives you access to some of the loveliest attractions in Oxfordshire and more than 200 beautiful places throughout England at a reduced cost.

For a guide to all of these places see: www.cpre.org.uk Ardington House

for sheer loveliness of the combination of water, woods and picturesque buildings.” Dating from around 1300, the castle has been owned by the same family for over 600 years. Crenellations and battlements were added in 1406. Broughton Castle has starred in many films, and is perhaps best known as the home of Gwyneth Paltrow in Shakespeare in Love.

Members’ offer Rousham House & Garden

Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway Church Street, Wantage, Oxfordshire, OX12 8QA www.ardingtonhouse.com Half-price admission for CPRE members Surrounded by beautiful gardens, peaceful paddocks and its own lake, Ardington House is a fine early Georgian brick manor house and has been described as Oxfordshire’s Baroque masterpiece. It is particularly famous for its imperial staircase has two matching flights leading into one and is considered to be one of the finest examples of its kind in Britain.

Brook Cottage Well Lane, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX15 6NL www.brookcottagegarden.co.uk Half-price admission for CPRE members Created over the past 35 years, this imaginatively and richly planted four-acre hillside garden surrounda a 17th century stone house. There are trees, shrubs, a water garden, a scree garden and a diversity of planting. All the wooden furniture is handmade and designed to complement the character of each area.

Station Road, Chinnor, Oxfordshire, OX39 4ER www.chinnorrailway.co.uk Two for the price of one for CPRE members The Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway is a standard gauge railway operating steam and diesel hauled train services on part of the old Great Western Railway branch line. It runs along a 3 mile stretch at the foot of the Chilterns and offers outstanding views. Cream teas are available in the afternoons and ploughman’s lunches on Sundays.

Rousham House, Rousham, Oxfordshire, OX25 4QU www.rousham.org Two for the price of one for CPRE members The gardens at Rousham Park are the only gardens designed by William Kent that remain, nearly 300 years later, much as he planned them. Spectacular original features include temples and follies. The house was built in 1635 and has changed little since. Rousham has no tea room or shop, because the owners want it to remain uncommercialised. So bring a picnic!

Stonor Park

River & Rowing Museum

Broughton Castle

Mill Meadows, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 1BF www.rrm.co.uk Broughton, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX15 5EB www.broughtoncastle.com Two for the price of one for CPRE members This remarkable castle has been described as “about the most beautiful castle in all England...

Two for the price of one for CPRE members The River & Rowing Museum celebrates the river Thames, the historic riverside town of Henleyon-Thames, the sport of rowing and Kenneth Grahame’s enchanting book the Wind in the Willows. The museum has received numerous awards for its design and architecture and displays numerous fascinating exhibits.

Join the debate. Join the campaign. Join CPRE

Stonor Park, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 6HF www.stonor.com Two for the price of one for CPRE members Stonor Park has been the home of the Stonor family for more than 800 years. Hidden in a fold of the Chilterns, it contains an outstanding display of portraits, tapestries, bronzes and ceramics. A centre of Catholicism, its 14th century chapel of flint and stone continues to celebrate Mass today. It has a walled garden sits and the surrounding offers stunning views and supports a herd of fallow deer.

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Oxfordshire Bulletin

Branch Office

CPRE Online

Published biannually by the Oxfordshire Branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England.

CPRE Oxfordshire, Punches Barn, Waterperry Road, Holton, Oxfordshire OX33 1PP (Registered office)

Oxfordshire: www.cpreoxon.org.uk

Design: Rob Bowker T: 01491 825609 Print: Severnprint Ltd with vegetable inks on recycled paper using renewable energy.

T: 01865 874780 E: administrator@cpreoxon.org.uk

Twitter: @CPREOfordshire www.facebook.com/CPREOxfordshire National: www.cpre.org.uk