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John Howell

MP for the Henley Constituency
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Planning and Infrastructure

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John visitng a building site

The way in which some new development is happening and the scale in relation to some towns and villages is of concern. We need infrastructure alongside development not lagging behind. We also need local communitties to have a strong voice in how their own community develops. This is what Neighbourhood Planning enables them to do. As Government Champion for Neighbourhood Planning I have been encouraging communities in the constituency and across the country to grasp this opportunity. A Neighbourhood Plan gives a community a say in where new housing should go, what it should look like, and what open spaces they want to preserve. It also enables them to set out desired local amenities and infrastructure. 

There is a challenge to provide the homes needed whilst protecting our countryside. Government Planning Guidance is regularly updated to help meet this challenge. I am happy to discuss specific concerns with communities. 

News

Great Wolf

Great Wolf Resort Planning Appeal

Saturday, 15 May, 2021

Great Wolf Resort has recently won an appeal to build a large water park at Chesterton. I feel this is inappropriate. The proposed development lies outside my constituency but it will significantly affect villages which I represent such as Weston on the Green and Kirtlington.

Expressway Cancelled

Oxford Cambridge Expressway Officially Cancelled

Thursday, 18 March, 2021

The Transport Secretary has today confirmed that the Oxford-Cambridge Expressway between Oxford and Milton Keynes has been cancelled. Work on the project was previously paused whilst the case for it was re-examined.

Railway

John welcomes East-West Rail Funding

Sunday, 24 January, 2021

John has welcomed the Government’s new £760 million funding pledge to help deliver the next phase of East West Rail, benefiting people across the constituency.

view over Green Belt

John affirms his support for protecting the Green Belt

Monday, 7 September, 2020

Following the examination of the draft South Oxfordshire Local Plan the Inspector has issued his preliminary conclusions and post hearing advice. We still await the final report which is due later this year.

Development

Planning Reforms

Tuesday, 4 August, 2020

The Local Development Plan for an area is made up of the district council’s Local Plan and relevant Neighbourhood Plans.

John at the Drop-In

Oxford-Cambridge Expressway Drop in

Wednesday, 26 February, 2020

John attended the drop-in organised by the No Expressway lobby group in Parliament today to hear more of the concerns being expressed. Today much of the focus was on proposed housing across the Arc. 

SODC Local Plan cover

SODC Local Plan

Monday, 10 February, 2020

The situation with regard to SODC’s continuing ownership of its Local Plan could be easily solved by SODC.  All it needs to do is allow the Plan to continue to examination in public before a Planning Inspector and for the Council to add potentially significant amendments and modifications for the

Green Belt

John comments on Green Belt protection

Saturday, 19 October, 2019

In a recent letter to Broxtowe Borough Council, the Minster for Housing has again set out the Government’s attitude to the Green Belt.  She has again stressed the commitment of Government to the Green Belt and to the need for ‘exceptional circumstances’ to justify changing boundaries.  The argume

JH

John becomes Patron of Oxfordshire Neighbourhood Plans Alliance

Wednesday, 16 October, 2019

A new organisation has been set up to represent the views and aims of Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) groups across Oxfordshire.

John with NDP Chairman

John visits Kidmore End Neighbourhood Plan Exhibition

Saturday, 14 September, 2019

The Parish of Kidmore End is yet another community to take up the opportunity to develop a Neighbourhood Development Plan. This weekend they held one of their public exhibitions which John attended. He talked with members of the Steering Group and saw what they had done so far.

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John Howell MP for the Henley Constituency

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