The following member of the public has asked a question:

1. Dr Peter Collins on behalf of CPRE Oxfordshire

CPRE welcomes the Government’s agreement to a revised timetable for the Oxfordshire 2050 Plan, but notes that it is not prepared to extend the associated planning flexibilities. The implications of this are not spelt out but we take it to mean that the reduced housing supply that Oxfordshire local authorities currently need to demonstrate (3 years v 5 years) would no longer apply.

Would the Scrutiny Panel be minded to seek a fuller explanation of the implications including confirmation of the date at which these flexibilities are due to terminate and which of our local authorities, if any, might be most immediately affected? Would the Panel agree that the 5 Year Housing Supply rules facilitate speculative development at the cost of effective local decision-making?