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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

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.

garden image

John welcomes Berinsfield as Garden Village project

Tuesday, 2 July, 2019

Berinsfield is one of the 19 successful bids for Garden village status. This announcement comes after a competitive process.

henley

Statement on Neighbourhood Plans in South Oxfordshire

Monday, 3 June, 2019

I can understand concerns resulting from a report in the Henley Standard that the withdrawal of the Local Plan would render all Neighbourhood Plans null and void. However, I do not believe that the situation is as stated.

RCJ

High Court ruling on Neighbourhood Plans

Saturday, 13 January, 2018

The High Court has made a judgement that the Written Ministerial Statement on Neighbourhood Plans and the 3 year housing land supply figure should stand.

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John Howell MP for the Henley Constituency

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