New village plans progress after net zero approval

West Oxfordshire District Council wants to build 2,200 homes in Salt Cross garden village

A major hurdle has been cleared in plans to build a garden village, after the development's "ambitious net zero policy" was approved by the planning inspector.

West Oxfordshire District Council wants to build 2,200 homes in Salt Cross garden village north of the A40 between Witney and Oxford, near Eynsham.

The authority says it will now begin preparing a public consultation into the scheme, with a view to the first homes being built in the next four to five years.

Andy Graham, the council's leader, said the planning inspector's findings were a "a landmark decision" that put the authority "at the forefront of climate-conscious development".

"It shows what's possible when councils are prepared to lead with ambition, work with communities, and push for the highest standards in housing and place-making," he said.

"Salt Cross can now move forward as an exemplar development that puts people, planet and future generations at its heart."

Under the council's policy, all buildings at the Salt Cross will produce net zero carbon emissions.

Planning inspectors had previously scuppered the authority's plans in 2023, questioning the council on its net zero carbon development and whether it was consistent with national policy.

But the High Court overturned the judgement last year, after it found inspectors had incorrectly applied national planning policy for the development.

The authority's new net zero policy was re-examined earlier this year, and has now now been approved.

Councillor Hugo Ashton, the authority's planning chief, said: "Our vision for Salt Cross has always been bold: to create a truly modern garden village that sets the standard for low-carbon living."

"The Inspector's decision confirms that our Net Zero policy is not only ambitious, but also achievable and sound," he added.