The West Oxfordshire Council Executive met on Wednesday 15 July 2026 to discuss a significant agenda, with the local plan being a major focus. Key decisions included the approval of a four-year funding extension for the 'Our House' project, aimed at supporting vulnerable young people, and the endorsement of the Oxfordshire Infrastructure Strategy (OxIS) 2026. The Executive also agreed to proceed with a public consultation on proposals for a Public Spaces Protection Order to tackle dog fouling across the district.

Thames Valley Spatial Development Strategy (SDS)

The Executive noted the establishment of a partnership with councils across Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Swindon to develop a statutory Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) for the Thames Valley area. This strategy will set out a high-level framework for development and infrastructure across multiple local planning authority areas. Councillor Liz Leffman seconded the proposal, highlighting the importance of a joined-up approach to planning for housing and infrastructure. Councillor Andrew Prosser raised concerns about future democratic oversight of the strategy, preferring it to be integrated into a regional strategic authority. The recommendations were approved.

Oxfordshire Infrastructure Strategy (OxIS)

The Executive endorsed the completed Oxfordshire Infrastructure Strategy (OxIS) 2026. This strategy outlines critical county-wide infrastructure needs to support development and sustainable growth across Oxfordshire until 2050. Councillor Leffman, seconding the proposal, noted that this is an update to a plan that has been in place for some time, originally developed as part of the growth deal over a decade ago. The strategy aims to support, rather than replicate, infrastructure delivery plans developed by councils as part of their statutory development plans, focusing on large strategic projects that span more than one district. The recommendations were approved.

Updated Counter Fraud and Anti-Corruption Policy

Councillor Alaric Smith, Executive Member for Finance, presented the updated Counter Fraud and Anti-Corruption Policy for approval. The revised policy includes a new section on the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, confirming the introduction of the 'failure to prevent fraud' offence. It also adds sections on cybercrime responsibilities and due diligence regarding tax evasion. Mandatory fraud awareness training is being delivered to all staff, and a session for councillors was held on 9 June. The Executive resolved to approve and adopt the policy, delegating authority to the Director of Finance for minor amendments in consultation with relevant officers.

Grant Management Policy

Councillor Alaric Smith also presented the new Grant Management Policy. This policy aims to provide overarching guidance for managing grant income, minimising risk while maximising community benefits. It details roles and responsibilities, funding agreements, eligibility criteria, assessment processes, conflicts of interest, due diligence checks, and fraud mitigation. Councillor Duncan Enright, Deputy Leader of the Council, commented positively, noting that the process mirrors that used for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Rural England Prosperity Fund. The Executive resolved to approve and adopt the policy, delegating authority for minor amendments to the Director of Finance.

Updated Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Policy

Councillor Alaric Smith presented the revised Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Policy. The policy has been refined with new sections on disclosure procedures, reporting officer considerations, and client/supplier identification processes, which are now detailed in a supporting internal procedure document. A supporting flowchart has also been designed. The Executive resolved to approve and adopt the policy, delegating authority for minor amendments to the Director of Finance. Councillor Graham, Leader of the Council, emphasised the importance of policy reviews to keep them up-to-date and fit for purpose, noting that the policy is accessible on the Council's website.

Public Spaces Protection Order for Dog Fouling

Councillor Alistair Wray, Executive Member for Environment, sought agreement to launch a public consultation on proposals for a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to tackle dog fouling across the district. The proposed order would make it an offence for a person in charge of a dog to fail to clear up after it, and would require dog owners to carry a suitable means of disposal. Exemptions would apply for assistance dog users and people with certain disabilities. Councillor Sandra Coleman, Executive Member for Stronger, Healthier Communities, supported the proposal as a responsible way to tackle the problem. The Executive agreed to approve the proposal to undertake a six-week consultation.

Our House Funding Extension 2026-2030

Councillor Geoff Saul, Executive Member for Housing and Community Safety, presented an update on the 'Our House' project, seeking approval for a four-year funding extension from November 2026 to March 2030. The project, a partnership with Cottsway Housing Association and Aspire Oxfordshire, provides accommodation and support for vulnerable young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The project currently accommodates up to 11 young people across three shared houses. Councillor Saul highlighted the significant cost savings compared to traditional supported housing pathways, with residents paying significantly lower rents. The proposed funding of just under £360,000 would be met from existing housing project reserve balances. Councillor Andrew Prosser reiterated the project's value, noting its dual benefit of supporting young people and reducing long-term costs to society. The Executive resolved to approve the funding extension and continue delivery through Aspire Oxfordshire.

Allocation of Capital Funding for Lift Replacement at Marriotts Walk

Councillor Alaric Smith presented a report requesting approval for the allocation of building maintenance earmarked reserves for the replacement of the three lifts at Marriotts Walk, Witney, which were installed in 2009 and are approaching the end of their life. Replacing all three lifts under one contract was deemed more cost-effective than a phased approach. The option to recharge part of the cost to retail and residential tenants was discounted due to the high existing service charge burden. Marriotts Walk contributes significantly to the council's income, making infrastructure maintenance crucial. The Executive resolved to recommend to Council the allocation of funding from earmarked reserves and delegated authority to the Director of Finance for final cost approval.

Section 106 Spending Authorisation

Councillor Liz Leffman, Executive Member for Planning and Infrastructure, sought delegation of authority for the spending of two specific Section 106 financial contributions totalling over £666,000, which relate to Witney Town Centre improvements. These contributions are from planning commissions for developments at Springfield Nurseries and Downs Road in Witney. The spending is authorised by the Chief Executive in consultation with the Director of Finance and the Executive Member for Planning and Infrastructure. Councillor Smith seconded the recommendation, highlighting the benefits for Witney Town Centre and supporting ongoing work. The Executive agreed to delegate authority for future decisions on the expenditure of these contributions.

Exclusion of Press and Public

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Andy Graham, proposed the exclusion of press and public for one item due to commercial sensitivity. Councillor Duncan Enright seconded the proposal, and it was approved.

Approval of Regulation 19 Draft Submission Local Plan for Public Consultation

Councillor Liz Leffman introduced the publication draft, or Regulation 19, Local Plan for West Oxfordshire. This plan provides the framework for development until 2043, covering housing, employment, infrastructure, green spaces, and environmental protection. Councillor Leffman stressed that today's decision was not to adopt the plan, but to recommend its approval for a six-week statutory consultation before submission for independent examination. Councillor Graham seconded the recommendation, highlighting the years of work and public engagement that had gone into the document. Councillor Carl Rylett, Chair of West Oxfordshire District Council, raised several points for consideration, including green infrastructure, solar panel decommissioning, construction waste management plans, and master plans for strategic growth areas. Officers responded, noting that many points were reflected in the addendum report or adequately covered by existing policies. Councillor Smith also raised three points regarding policy strengthening, which were taken away for consideration. Councillor Saul and Councillor Sumner shared comments from residents regarding employment land, health centre extensions, express bus services, and sports provision. Councillor Sumner also underlined the importance of new buildings having cooling or ventilation strategies. The Executive debated the weight of the document at the Regulation 19 stage, with officers explaining it gains more weight as it progresses through the process, contingent on the representations received. The Executive agreed to approve the recommendation, with a slight alteration to acknowledge the local plan addendum report.

Approval of Regulation 19 Draft Submission Local Plan for Public Consultation

The Executive resolved to recommend to Council the approval of the pre-submission draft Local Plan 2043 for formal publication for a statutory six-week consultation period. They also delegated authority to the Head of Planning, in consultation with the Executive Member for Planning and Infrastructure, to make minor textual and presentational amendments. Finally, they agreed that the Local Development Scheme (LDS) would be published online and made available in hard copy format.

The meeting concluded with thanks to officers, executive members, councillors, and democratic services.