Council shake-up plan sparks 'land grab' concerns

Oxford City Council wants to create a Greater Oxford local authority

Plans to expand Oxford's boundaries to accommodate 40,000 new homes have been described by critics as a "land grab" that could threaten neighbouring villages and the green belt.

Under government proposals to reorganise local government, Oxfordshire could be split into one, two or three unitary authorities.

A three-council model, backed by Oxford City Council, would create a Greater Oxford authority and incorporate some nearby villages, including Kidlington, Cumnor and Wheatley.

The city council said the proposal was the "best option for the whole area".

Councillor Tim Bearder, who represents Wheatley on the county council, said residents in the village did "not see themselves as part of Oxford".

"We are proud to be part of distinct rural communities with unique histories, identities and traditions," he said.

"[The proposal] would effectively erase the character of Oxfordshire's villages under a wave of creeping urbanisation.

"Oxford City Council's open endorsement of these plans as a route to building tens of thousands of homes outside its current boundary exposes what this really is: a land grab."

He added that the authority's proposal to "destroy" the green belt was "not only harmful to the environment but also economically incoherent".

'Secure jobs'

The city council previously said the plans would allow 40,000 new homes to be built by 2040 to deal with housing demand, while bringing decisions on transport and the green belt closer to Oxford.

The authority's leader, Susan Brown, said: "We think our three unitary proposal is the best option for the whole area.

"This would bring local decisions under one roof and closer to the people they affect.

"It would also enable us to build more affordable homes, provide new bus connections, protect green spaces and create new, secure jobs for our children and grandchildren."

In contrast to the city council, Oxfordshire County Council is backing plans for one authority, which it said would cut costs and keep services simple.

Other district councils are backing plans to create two new authorities: Oxford and Shires Council, and Ridgeway Council – the latter of which would also include West Berkshire.

The government is expected to make a final decision on local government reorganisation in 2026, with the new councils set to be established in 2028.