Property & Housing
Lib Dems condemn Labour’s housing policy amid planning delays
The Liberal Democrat group at Cherwell District Council has strongly criticised the Labour government’s decision to reintroduce the requirement for the council to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply using their new method for estimating housing needs.
Lib Dems condemn Labour’s housing policy, highlighting that this change is unnecessary given that Cherwell already has over 8,000 homes with planning permission but awaiting construction.
The Lib Dems also condemned the previous Conservative administration for its delays in progressing the emerging Local Plan, leaving the district in a vulnerable position.
Under the government’s new National Planning Policy Framework, Cherwell’s housing need has been increased from 706 homes per year to 1,118. Recent decisions by the Planning Inspectorate mean that sites planned to help Oxford’s housing needs must now be factored into the district’s housing land supply.
This includes 4,400 homes for Oxford’s unmet housing needs, which now must be included in the new method for calculating housing demand. As a result, Cherwell can currently demonstrate only 2.3 years of housing supply, rather than the required 5 years.
Councillor Jean Conway, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Development Management, commented: “With over 8,000 homes with planning permission and a new local plan on the way, it is incredibly frustrating that the government, under Labour’s direction, has reintroduced a requirement to continuously demonstrate a five-year housing land supply.
Despite Cherwell’s strong track record of delivery, the government’s changes mean that we’re being pushed back to the days when we must permit more development simply because housebuilders aren’t meeting their targets. All the while, the council is doing the right thing by advancing a new Local Plan that addresses our local housing needs.”
The Lib Dems and Green Independent Alliance administration have an action plan to address these challenges. The plan will bring a renewed focus on sites with planning permission, ensuring that developers provide clear evidence of delivery when submitting plans and addressing any barriers slowing construction.
The Lib Dems are committed to ensuring that housing is delivered in a way that protects Cherwell’s green spaces, rural villages, heritage assets, and overall sustainability.
Councillor David Hingley, Leader of the Council and Cherwell Liberal Democrats said: “The Labour government’s reintroduction of this policy, combined with the previous Conservative administration’s failure to progress the Local Plan, has left Cherwell in a vulnerable position.
The new action plan will ensure that we are focused on delivering the homes our communities need while maintaining sustainable growth. We cannot allow speculative, unsustainable developments to dictate the future of our district. Our focus is on addressing the real barriers that are slowing progress and making sure that housing is delivered responsibly and in the right locations”.
Landlords from across West Oxfordshire gathered in significant numbers at a recent industry briefing designed to prepare property owners for the sweeping changes introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act.
Held at the Corn Exchange, the event attracted more than 120 attendees—more than double the turnout seen at previous landlord sessions—highlighting growing concern and interest around the evolving rental landscape.
Organised by Parkers Properties, the free session provided practical guidance on what is widely considered the most significant reform to the private rental sector in nearly 40 years.
Senior members of the Parkers team outlined key legislative changes set to take effect from May, including the transition to rolling tenancies, the abolition of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions, tighter regulation of rent increases, and new rules preventing discrimination against tenants, such as those with children or receiving benefits.
Landlords will also face stricter conditions around pet ownership in rental properties.
Alongside these changes comes an increased compliance burden. Enhanced documentation requirements and stronger enforcement powers for local authorities mean landlords must be more diligent than ever. Civil penalties for non-compliance will start at £7,000 and can rise to as much as £40,000.
The session also covered wider regulatory updates, including new energy efficiency requirements and the introduction of Making Tax Digital, which came into effect in April.
Following the presentation, attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with industry professionals, including solicitors, financial advisors and a representative from West Oxfordshire District Council, who provided additional insights and answered questions.
The strong turnout reflects the level of uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the new legislation, as well as the growing need for landlords to stay informed and prepared in an increasingly regulated market.
Downsizers looking to future-proof their housing choices are increasingly favouring retirement developments that provide dedicated guest accommodation, according to Cognatum.
For many older homeowners considering a move to retirement living, one of the main concerns is losing the spare room needed to host visiting friends and relatives.
Guest suites are helping to address that concern by offering separate on-site accommodation that allows residents to welcome visitors without sacrificing living space in their own homes.
Paul Adams, director of property at Cognatum, said:
“All the preparation, cleaning and making of beds is done to a hotel standard by the estate team; the resident simply has to book in the required dates.
“Guest suites can provide flexibility for changing life stages, from longer family visits to short-term stays by carers or companions following illness or surgery. Or simply for visiting friends and family.
“By removing the need for permanent spare bedrooms, residents are able to downsize the total floor area of a property, without compromising too heavily on living space. For many of our residents, downsizing feels like a lifestyle upgrade rather than a loss.
“Many family and friends will become regular visitors, so they get to know the other residents and are welcomed like a part of a much wider family.”
At The Rivus, one of Cognatum’s newest retirement estates in Wantage, the guest suite has become one of the most popular features among residents.
The accommodation has been designed for visiting family and friends and includes two beds, an en suite shower room, kitchenette facilities and refreshments, allowing guests to stay nearby while maintaining privacy and independence.
Jan Whitmore, whose sister and brother-in-law live at The Rivus, said:
“This beautifully appointed guest accommodation offered very comfortable twin beds, a kitchenette, and a bathroom, all within the main building, which made life very easy and practical when visiting my family at the Rivus. As guests we enjoyed all the benefits of the larger Rivus community, the joys of being together with loved ones, and guest suite privacy! A perfect combination.”
Mr Adams added:
“Visitors in our guest suites are of course welcome to use the shared areas of the estate, such as a pool, gym and extensive grounds. Simply having a drink or a coffee in a communal area, or joining in with social nights, brings benefits to the wider community of residents, adding interest, new conversations, and conviviality to the estate as a whole.
“It’s also a great opportunity for family and friends to gain an understanding of the resident’s lifestyle.”
Plans for a new burial ground for Oxford go before councillors on Wednesday (April 1) with a recommendation for approval.
Oxford City Council’s proposals to use 7.34 hectares of agricultural fields to the north of Oxford Road near Horspath for a new ‘burial meadow’ will be considered by South Oxfordshire District Council.
The city council is fast running out of space for burials but the new site can accommodate around, 5,000 graves.
The council expects an average of 120 burials per year which would enable the burial meadow to last for between 40 and 45 years.
A breakdown shows 40 per cent of the space will be for Muslim burials.
A new access off Oxford Road will be created for hearses but parking (other than the provision of three disabled bays) will only be available in a nearby council car park.
The team on the project includes The Environment Partnership on planning and landscape planning and Campbell Reith on transport.
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