On 24 July 2018, following public consultation, the Secretary of State, James Brokenshire, announced the publication of the Government’s revisions to National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

See link below:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/governments-new-planning-rulebook-to-deliver-more-quality-well-designed-homes

Of particular interest to Save Culham Green Belt are the statements in the announcement that:

‘Whilst giving councils real flexibility to make the most of their existing brownfield land, the revised framework makes sure they exhaust all other reasonable options for development before looking to alter a Green Belt boundary.

The government has more explicitly outlined the protection of the Green Belt in England, explaining the high expectations and considerable evidence that would be needed to alter any boundary.’

The direct link to a pdf of the complete NPPF is here:

Direct link

Section 13, paras 133-147 are specific to Green Belt.

See our page ‘Green Belt and Government Policy’ for more details.

South Oxfordshire District Council will have to reflect this new policy in their Local Plan, currently undergoing re-assessment.