Bloxham residents urged to vote in village's referendum

Voting on the measure will take place tomorrow, Thursday November 3, and will ask residents if they want Cherwell District Council to use the Bloxham Neighbourhood Plan to help it decide planning applications in the area.

The Neighbourhoon Plan was drawn up in 2013 by Bloxham Parish Council following a public consultation. The document outlines policies and proposals in Bloxham which can be used to prevent unsuitable speculative development within the village in the future.

Cllr Colin Clarke, Cherwell’s lead member for planning, said: “This referendum is incredibly important to the future of Bloxham and gives those living in the village the chance to have a real influence over how the area will grow and develop. The Neighbourhood Plan was designed by people in Bloxham for the benefit of Bloxham.

“If people vote in favour of the plan then councillors here at Cherwell will formally adopt the plan at an upcoming meeting. If they don’t endorse the plan, then neither will we and the village will have another opportunity to amend the document to present for consideration again in the future.”

In order to be approved over half of Bloxham voters have to approve the plan which will then be formally adopted by Cherwell district Council at a council meeting in December and will be used to help determine future planning applications for the designated area of Bloxham parish.

Eligible voters will be able to cast their vote at the Ex Servicemen’s Village Hall in the High Street, Bloxham, between 7am and 10pm.