Spring 2019 www.cpreoxon.org.uk voice

Battle for the Green Belt Oxfordshire 2050: Remembering Alun The Civic Society CPRE Oxfordshire offers a Thornton Jones Debate Better Vision for Oxfordshire OXFORDSHIRE Chairman’s voice

Voice CPRE However, whilst total opposition is the Spring 2019 Oxfordshire’s main plank of our engagement, CPRE ‘Campaign has also to consider the mitigation of Contents to Protect what Government might force on us. 2 Chairman’s Report Rural England’ We are driven by the desire to do our 3 John Histon, Chair CPRE West continues best by local people whilst guarding Oxfordshire apace, but we the environment and preserving rural have needed Oxfordshire. 4 Members’ survey 2018 to be fleet 5 The Oxfordshire Way of foot to keep up with unexpected Emerging Local Plans continue to 6 Need Not Greed Update revisions and name changes imposed be a major concern. We have had behind closed doors and without important successes in the Vale in 6-7 Local Plan Round-Up warning by the relevant agencies. defeating a proposed allocation of 7 Battle for the Green Belt 1,000 houses in the North Wessex 8-9 Remembering Alun A classic example is the ‘Oxford-Milton Downs AONB and strengthening the Thornton Jones Keynes-Cambridge Growth Corridor’, District’s heritage policy. However, 10 Oxfordshire Plan 2050 now rebranded the ‘Ox-Cam Arc’. It the remains under was clear from the outset that the considerable threat, much of it caused 11 Members events aspirational ideas emanating from by national legislation to fulfil the 12 Annual General Meeting Government, handed to the National so-called ‘unmet need’ of the City by Infrastructure Commission, then on neighbouring District Councils. CPRE is DIRECTORY to Highways England, had not been putting up strong resistance through Views expressed in the Voice are not necessarily thought through and were hardly consultations and public hearings to those of CPRE Oxfordshire, which welcomes likely to be realisable and certainly major Green Belt housing allocations independent comment. not desirable. A million houses on that would, in Cherwell District, Editor: Julia Benning Cover: Greylags with goslings at RSPB Otmoor. England’s green and pleasant land are coalesce Oxford/Kidlington/Begbroke/ Photo: Rob Bowker envisaged, seemingly for the most part Yarnton, and we are expecting a Articles, letters, comments and suggestions for to accommodate London commuters. similar fight in South Oxfordshire in articles are welcome. Please contact the Branch There is little likelihood that even the respect of Grenoble Road, and Office below. Published May 2019 few obligatory ‘affordable’ houses, other sites. The emerging City Plan District Chairmen costed at 80% of the market price, will follow. CPRE’s main argument CPRE Oxfordshire Branch would be financially accessible to is that the City should use all its Peter Collins 01235 763081 many local people, let alone the ‘key vacant brownfield sites for genuinely [email protected] workers’ the proposed growth would affordable, sustainable development Cherwell: David Gilmour [email protected] require. of appropriate density, which could Oxford: Contact the Branch Office as below solve most of the City’s housing need There has never been any question at a stroke and save the Green Belt for South Oxfordshire: Professor Richard Harding 01491 836425 [email protected] but that CPRE, both locally and the enjoyment and well-being of local nationally, would oppose the whole people. Vale of White Horse: Mark Barnett [email protected] idea of a Growth Corridor. We are therefore seeking the appointment of We continue to be on the front foot West Oxfordshire: Jonh Histon [email protected] a Parliamentary Select Committee to in working with GARD (the Group question the entire set of proposals. Against Reservoir Development), Branch Office Alongside the Oxfordshire Growth which opposes the gigantic proposed CPRE Oxfordshire, First Floor, 20 High Street, Board’s ‘Joint Statutory Spatial Plan’ Abingdon Reservoir on expert Watlington, Oxfordshire OX49 5PY (JSSP) – now the ‘Oxfordshire Plan technical and environmental grounds. (Registered office) 2050’ – CPRE Oxfordshire has prepared A strong case has been made for T: 01491 612079 E: [email protected] its own vision of the County’s future, meeting the expected need through a ‘rural manifesto’, to challenge the other means. Thames Water was www.cpreoxon.org.uk growth proposed. We are hoping this forced to hold a further round of

Follow us on Twitter @CPREOxfordshire will give us more traction with MPs consultations in view of considerable and local authorities, as we have yet changes to their Water Resources and like us on www.facebook.com/CPREOxfordshire to have any real indication that the Management Plan. We now work with CPRE Oxfordshire is registered in England as Government or the Growth Board is other CPRE Branches to challenge Charity No.1093081 and Company No. 4443278. really listening to the public or key the justification of their plans which stakeholders. 2 CPRE Oxfordshire voice Spring 2019 relies on support from Affinity Water, itself providing water to millions of households across the South- John Histon – new chair of East. A particular urgent threat is to environmentally precious chalk CPRE West Oxfordshire streams which are a rare phenomenon in Europe.

Finally, many thanks are due to our donors and supporters who ensured that we reached the fundraising target in our autumn appeal. This will help us significantly to finance our work on the Oxfordshire Plan 2050, to deliver our Rural Manifesto, and to establish a firm and ongoing presence with the Oxfordshire Growth Board and local MPs and Councillors.

Peter Collins Chairman [email protected]

The Chairman’s Report can be read, in its entirety, in the AGM papers included with this issue of Oxfordshire Voice and on our website.

John is a chartered member of the he can add a new angle to the saying, Oxford Green Royal Institute of British Architects, ‘poacher tumed game-keeper’. Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Belt Way Arbitrators now retired. CPRE appeals as being an organisation that has a philosophy of ensuring the He is a former partner in the country as a whole retains its very commercial Architectural Practices of individual regional characteristics. Yet Covell Matthews Partnership, Covell the body also strives to maintain an Matthews International and Covell urban and rural balance that is vital CC Shaun Ferguson Matthews Histon. Offfces of the group to the whole character of the diverse operated in London, Manchester, English scene. John feels CPRE accepts Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, the need for change and development, Reading, Burford, Abu Dabi, Jedda, but only carried out on a scale and Librevill and Lagos. character that maintains the essential rural scene, the country’s vital green Two volunteers are required for Havng spent most of his professional lungs – for future generations. Stage 8 - Hampton Poyle to Beckley life in commercial development, (8.2 miles) and Stage 9 - Beckley including housing, offices, industrial John has two daughters: Samantha, a to Thornhill (4.3miles). Volunteers redevelopment, retail centres and product designer. Sophie, an architect, would be required to walk the stage airports, John felt he should put and five grandchildren . He and his late at least once a year, ensuring any something good back into the wife Susan, a graphic designer, set up missing waymarks are replaced, environment of this country which home in Cheshire over 30 years ago trimming back any overgrown is under increasing stress from from Nassau Bahamas. vegetation and reporting any issues. developers of all types. He wants to Anyone interested should please ensure our children and their future They moved to Burford, 0xfordshire, 15 contact Gordon Garraway, CPRE generation will be able to enjoy an years ago. John’s sports and hobbies, Oxfordshire Rights of Way Advisor: improved quality of life, now greatly included yacht racing, carriage driving [email protected] endangered. With his great experience and, more recently, sculpture. or 01235 522958. of the commercial scene, John feels

Join the debate. Join the campaign. Join CPRE 3 Public fears for countryside and environment over devastating Oxford-Cambridge development plan people’s health, and climate Three quarters (75%) of residents liv- change. ing in Oxfordshire believe that plans for major new development across While there is support for some the Oxfordshire-Cambridgeshire new housing across the Arc, region will lead to damage of the the majority of Oxfordshire local countryside and environment, residents (61%) do not support according to public polling published the scale of house building in March 2019 by CPRE. proposed. If any development does take clear support for greater transparency place, an overwhelming majority (88%) on these decisions and we challenge The poll, carried out by research of residents believe that the housing our MPs to respond appropriately.’ company Survation, interviewed needs of local people must take priority, Helen Marshall, Director CPRE 1,500 residents across Oxfordshire, and three quarters (71%) believe that Oxfordshire. Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, more social housing is most needed for Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire about the area. The Government has promised a ‘public the Oxford-Cambridge Arc development engagement exercise’ this summer. plan, which could see one million new Despite this, CPRE warn that based CPRE fears that this will be nothing but homes built across the region by 2050. on current projections, no more than a meaningless box ticking exercise and 18% of the locally identified need for will fail to engage with the range of A CPRE analysis from 2018 affordable homes will be met during the views that encompass the objections to demonstrated that in order to build planned period of growth. the proposals. the one million new houses, an area of countryside greater than the size ‘Many local and national politicians are CPRE is calling for a full Parliamentary of Birmingham would be lost to hiding behind a network of bureaucracy Select Committee Inquiry into the development. Despite the scale of the and grand claims to push through a proposals, which should look at development, the government has massive increase in development, at the potential impact on the local given the project its backing without a whatever the cost to the environment, environment and communities, as well formal public consultation, or weighing and without any guarantee that local as the economies of other areas of the up its impact on the countryside, housing needs will be met. There is country.

by local decision makers. This is a the most mentioned concern when Members Survey reflection of the lack of meaningful providing YOUR vision for the future of Autumn 2018: public consultation and, where there Oxfordshire. is consultation, lack of feedback What Should demonstrating how views have (or Looking to the future, in 2050 members haven’t) been considered. would like to see an Oxfordshire with Oxfordshire Look nature sites (95%); thriving farms Like in 2050? 96% of respondents feel the best place (92%); preserved historic sites and for development is urban brownfield buildings (91%); affordable housing for In the autumn edition of Oxfordshire land. Failing that development those who need it (90%). Voice, we asked CPRE Oxfordshire should adjoin an existing settlement members to tell us what you value before considering a completely new Thank you to everyone who about Oxfordshire, what you are development. Members agree that responded. Your answers have concerned about and what you green field land and the Green Belt provided an insight into the issues think the priorities should be as are the least appropriate sites for new concerning members across the we developed our Better Vision for developments, and 83% agree that County and will help guide our campaigning work. Everyone who Oxfordshire and provide input into the building in the AONB is the worst completed the survey had the Oxfordshire Plan 2050 (Oxfordshire location for new development. chance to win one of three copies Joint Statutory Plan). of 22 Ideas That Saved The English Affordable housing is a clear Countryside – The Campaign 72% of respondents feel that their concern. Members think creating to Protect Rural England. Book views on the future of Oxfordshire affordable housing should be the top winners were Dr McGurrin, are not considered and 71% feel no consideration when building new Mr P Hislop, Mr J Taylor. value is given to the countryside development. Affordable housing was

4 CPRE Oxfordshire voice Spring 2019 Rob Bowker Rob Lost & Forgotten Rights of Way – 2026 deadline

The Oxfordshire Way by Nick Moon: a new guide to the 66-mile Up until 1949, the public had to walking route across Oxfordshire take court action to prove that a path was a right of way. That changed with the passing of the the assistance of the Oxford Fieldpaths The Oxfordshire Way National Parks and Access to Society, decided to take on replacing A long distance path across Oxfordshire between The Oxfordshire the Countryside Act 1949, which Bourton-on-the-Water and Henley-on-Thames A walk across Oxfordshire from OCC’s guide to the Oxfordshire Way, plus twelve circular walks along the route Way the Cotswolds to the Chilterns made it necessary for surveying Wormleighton N which is now out of print. The Oxfordshire Way Reservoir authorities (county councils and plus twelve circular walks along the route unitary authorities) to create and ay WARW ICKSHIRE W on

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CHIPPING l Stones NORTON GLOUCESTERSHIRE BICESTER 12 circular walks using parts of its their area. However, many of these O XFORDSHIRE O ords xfordshire from the BOURTON-ON-THE-WATER Oxf hir The e W ay route ranging in length from 4.1 to rights of way were not recorded. WOODSTOCK The Oxford 9.9 miles. The guide gives details Green Belt BURFORD Way THAME WITNEY OXFOXFORDORD of nearby places of interest and is In 2000, the Countryside and

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ISBN 978-0-9557723-3-7 CPRE WILTSHIRE CPRE Oxfordshire with support from based on historical evidence to be BERKSHIRE Nick Moon the Oxford Fieldpaths Society. 9 780955772337 submitted to local authorities and Map not to scale Printed on FSC Certified paper UK £10 Rob Bowker Cover photo: Bow Bridge at Waterstock / included in the ‘definitive’ map. The Oxfordshire Way is a walking route Copies are available from CPRE from the Cotswolds to the Chilterns, Oxfordshire and from selected Many disused & forgotten paths running from Bourton-on-the-Water to bookshops, stationers and information will legally be lost if they are not Henley-on-Thames. centres in Oxfordshire and surrounding formally recorded as a footpath, counties. The guide costs £10. bridleway or restricted byway. This new guide to the Oxfordshire Way represents a homecoming for the Way, To buy a copy direct from The British Horse Society and as the original guide written by the CPRE Oxfordshire please send Ramblers have produced guides late Alison Kemp was also published a cheque for £12.00 (includes explaining how to reclaim lost rights by Oxfordshire CPRE in 1978. In the £2 p&p) made payable to CPRE of way. See CPRE website for details: 1990’s Oxfordshire County Council Oxfordshire to: The Oxfordshire https://tinyurl.com/y3zydya3 ‘adopted’ the Way, and provided Way Guide, CPRE Oxfordshire, special signposts, waymarks and 20 High Street, Watlington, Becky Crockett & Nick Moon published their own guide. With recent Oxon, OX49 5PY South Oxfordshire Committee funding cuts, Oxfordshire CPRE with

Join the debate. Join the campaign. Join CPRE 5 Need Not Greed Oxfordshire (NNGO) is a coalition Oxfordshire Local of 37 local groups and individuals that have come Plan round-up together to campaign for a future that respects the views of local people, plans for ‘need not greed’ and Cherwell protects the environment. The secretariat for the group is provided by CPRE Oxfordshire. The Cherwell Local Plan Part 1 Review To find out more visit: www.neednotgreedoxon.org.uk seeks to allocate 4,400 houses of Oxford City’s so-called ‘unmet need’ (see below), with 3,900 of these being The Oxfordshire Plan 2050 2050 Statement of Community proposed for Green Belt sites around Consultation on the vision for the Involvement and Sustainability Begbroke, Yarnton, Kidlington and North Oxfordshire Plan (Oxfordshire Joint Appraisal Scoping Report Oxford. CPRE has vigorously contested Statutory Spatial Plan) closed in consultations can be found on the these proposed allocations, working March 2019. The NNGO response can NNGO website. alongside local campaign groups including the Cherwell Development be read in full on the NNGO website: Watch Alliance. The Examination in neednotgreedoxon.org.uk. The No Expressway Alliance (NEA) has been formed by groups opposed Public has now taken place and there has been a subsequent consultation on In summary NNGO stated: to government plans for an ‘Oxford- Cambridge Expressway’. This new various additional papers put forward • Growth must be justified in terms of road, whatever route may be chosen, by Cherwell District Council. We now the benefits it will bring. await the Inspector’s findings. would have disastrous impacts on • Social equity implications for Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. Oxfordshire and other parts of the This is a tremendously worrying situation as, if accepted, it would set a UK should be considered. The Local Industrial precedent for allowing Oxford to pursue • Sustainability should be firmly Strategy a highly aggressive growth strategy embedded as a core objective. NNGO understands that the draft (whatever the consequences) and to Local Industrial Strategy (LIS) is with target the Green Belt as the best place • The timetabling of the Plan and its Government for consideration. The to accommodate this. relation to the Expressway need document makes startling claims urgent clarification. about the ability to create 108,000 Oxford City net new jobs in the county by 2040. • The governance and accountability The draft Local Plan has been submitted Since Oxfordshire effectively has full for the Plan needs to be transparent to the Planning Inspectorate and employment, this inevitably means a and locally accountable. we are waiting to hear the dates of significant increase in population to the Examination in Public. The Plan • There must be transparency on how take up these new roles. responses to consultation are used claims Oxford needs 28,000 houses and how the next stages of the Plan over the period to 2036 but that it NNGO has written to Oxfordshire can meet less than 9,000 of these process are revisited, improved and MPs asking that Oxfordshire’s Local within its own boundaries, creating a refined. Industrial Strategy is subject to full shortfall of over 19,000 houses that it • A publicly accessible interactive public consultation and environmental is expecting its neighbouring Districts map of the whole County should assessment (preferably through the to pick up. CPRE’s view is that the be prepared showing the impact of Oxfordshire Plan 2050 process) prior to housing numbers are exaggerated, proposed developments. adoption. but that Oxford could meet all of this need by releasing land held back for • The requirements of our ‘climate employment for housing instead, and emergency’ should be given greater Big Green Day Out by building at a density appropriate to prominence. city living. • Differences between the NNGO will be helping to kick off consultation document signed Oxford Green Week on Saturday South Oxfordshire 8th June, 10am-5pm, Broad off by our local councils and the The draft Local Plan has been submitted Street, Oxford, OX1 3AS. Come final publication version require to the Planning Inspectorate and we explanation. along for a family friendly day are waiting to hear the dates of the packed with live music, great Examination in Public. The Plan includes • We need a commitment to a food, stalls, various activities proposals for over 28,000 new houses fully funded and robust green and information dedicated to 2011-2034, representing over a 50% infrastructure strategy and action promoting sustainability in and uplift on 2011 housing stock and a plan. around Oxford. build rate of 2.5 times that previously NNGO responses to the Oxon Plan

6 CPRE Oxfordshire voice Spring 2019 achieved. These figures are not based Battle for the Green Belt on local need, but the exaggerated proposals of the Council’s Growth Deal with Government, the unproven need of OXFORD CIVIC SOCIETY DEBATE Oxford City (see above) and an additional number thrown in on top seemingly In April 2019 the Oxford Civic Society hosted a debate proposing that: just for good measure. It is clear that release of Green Belt to meet housing need benefits the common good this level and rate of growth cannot be without undermining the enduring purpose of the Green Belt. achieved without significant harm to our local communities and the environment, Former City Council Leader Bob Price Under Growth Board direction, the not least because a substantial argued that Green Belt land should be Districts that once protected the Green proportion of the housing is proposed for released to help meet housing need. Belt are now opening it up to Oxford’s the Oxford Green Belt including major long-term strategy of urban sprawl, sites at Culham, Grenoble Road and Defending the permanence of the with plans to build on Green Belt land Bayswater Brook. This is in direct conflict Green Belt, and promoting the right round the City’s edge. with the wishes of local residents, the prioritisation of urban brownfield sites, vast majority of whom wish to see the was CPRE Oxfordshire trustee Michael Meanwhile the neighbouring Councils Green Belt remain open and protected. Tyce (pictured below). are seizing chunks of the Green Belt for their own growth allocations with Vale of White Horse In the 1930s urban sprawl was eroding a large new town on green riverbank Public hearings on the Vale of White the fine balance between town and near Culham, and major incursions Horse Local Plan Part 2 took place in country. at Berinsfield, , Abingdon and front of a Planning Inspector in 2018, elsewhere. and there has been a subsequent CPRE campaigned then for the consultation on main modifications. creation of Green Belts. In 1955 an Act People in need of housing must be CPRE has argued for the retention of Parliament gave Local Authorities housed and if no reasonable alternative of Shippon within the Green Belt, the powers to create them. The Oxford is available Green Belt land should be supported the proposed withdrawal Green Belt was set up in 1958 and considered. But actual housing need of the housing allocation at Harwell from the very beginning there was can be met without touching Green (within the North Wessex Downs Area tension between City expansionism Belt land. Local Councils are planning of Outstanding Natural Beauty), and and containment of it. to dismember the Green Belt in pursuit questioned a housing allocation at of a maximum growth strategy, exactly Fyfield based on the implications for The City twice sought to extend what the Green Belt was designed to air quality. We are pleased to see that its boundaries over the Green Belt prevent, and contrary to public interest. some of the wording on landscape surrounding it. Expansionism was and heritage policies has been tightened up, in line with earlier CPRE constrained because the Green Michael Tyce, CPRE Trustee recommendations, but have suggested Belt lies within the territory of neighbouring District Councils. All that some further improvements, particularly The full version can be read at: changed in 2014 with the advent of in relation to Dark Skies. Our full tinyurl.com/yy79eanh response is available on our website. We the Oxfordshire Growth Board. now await the Inspector’s report.

West Oxfordshire The West Oxfordshire Local Plan 2031 is now adopted and in place. A Scoping Opinion is currently being sought for the Environmental Impact Assessment for the new garden village at Eynsham.

CPRE Oxfordshire will be appearing at the forthcoming Oxford City and South Oxfordshire Examinations in Public (the public hearings into the Local Plans) to seek to challenge the overall figures and the Green Belt allocations, as part of protecting our county’s rural character.

Join the debate. Join the campaign. Join CPRE 7 Remembering Alun Thornton Jones 28 November 1927 – 16 October 2018

Alun was a organised by Alun’s life-long friend Way; both of these have subsequently committee Christopher Hawgood. This remarkable been adopted by Oxfordshire County member of CPRE retrospective featured five decades Council, and are shown as long- Oxfordshire for of work for CPRE and the Oxford distance routes on Ordnance Survey some 40 years, Preservation Trust and showed how maps. and a member valuable this body of material is, not of the Executive just for the maps themselves but as A selection of maps drawn by Alun Committee of the a social history of Oxfordshire’s rural were published as a book Alun Jones’s Oxford Preservation Trust, particularly communities and environmental Maps (now out of print) in 2002 by representing its Marston Area campaigning. CPRE Oxfordshire, and he was the Committee. map-maker for the Oxford Heritage The exhibition subsequently moved Walks series of guide-books, which are Alun was an alumnus of Lincoln to County Hall for several months, published by the Oxford Preservation College, Oxford, and originally learned officially opened by Cllr John Sanders Trust. his surveying and map-making skills (then Chairman of Oxfordshire County during his post-graduate studies Council), allowing councillors and CPRE Oxfordshire now holds the 2015 in Classical Archaeology at Oxford visitors to appreciate the depth and exhibition panels and would be happy University. He was a Fellow of the breadth of our county’s historic to hear from any organisations or British Cartographic Society. environment. venues that might be interested in displaying them on a temporary or In 2015, CPRE Oxfordshire was Alun drew the original proposal-maps permanent basis. Conversations have delighted to help support an exhibition for the long-distance Oxfordshire Way, been held with the Bodleian Library, of Alun’s maps and drawings and later the proposal-maps for the Oxford, and the Oxfordshire History that was held at Lincoln College, 50-mile circular Oxford Green Belt Centre, and we hope that this may in

8 CPRE Oxfordshire voice Spring 2019 time ensure the preservation culmination of map work of the unique collection on Rights of Way came with of materials, including making the Maps and Guide thousands of photographs, Book for the Oxfordshire that Alun created over his Way, involving Alison Kemp, lifetime. Rowland Pomfret and myself.

‘Alun was an absolute pleasure From about the mid-70s there to work with – charming arose a need for guide-map and unassuming, but with leaflets to the places at which a wealth of knowledge and the Branch held Events. Up expertise that he was always to then, I had, (like many happy to share. We shall miss medieval cartographers!) him very much, but he has left collected up material for a treasure trove of material maps from information to benefit future generations.’ made available by others; Helen Marshall, Director CPRE now, I went forth alone and Oxfordshire. walked the ground, armed with camera, draft base Maps and Me maps (usually of A4 sheets of and CPRE enlarged 25-inch maps of the In 2006 Alun launched his first Edition O.S.), 0.25 mm. book A Cartographer’s Record technical drawing pens and of the History and Landscape of for a clear, informative A4 map, given 0.5 mm pencils, measuring tapes for Oxfordshire at CPRE Oxfordshire’s 75th to every walker. I decided to draw added detail, quadrant to determine Anniversary celebration. Following the and write all of it. I do not like mixing tree heights, scales and - vitally - speech Alun gave at the event he was typefaces and handwritten material; I plastic coverings for clipboard and asked to put pen to paper. use varying nib-widths in calligraphy me. I have records of completing field as well as cartography to produce a surveys of, for example, Minster Lovell, ‘I had written in my Preface what I map which combines the rhythm and West Hendred, and Haseley Court in would have said; but it seemed right attraction of Mercator’s Italic script, continuous pouring rain, camera worn to say some words on the maps, and contrasted with the compression of a within coat except when shooting; A4 on the importance of recording our narrow thin-line script, with the varying tracing paper overlay for notes made landscapes, urban and rural, before lines and conventions of the graphic with stylus between raindrops. they irrevocably disappear. I have been map. And it had all to be in black-and- asked to write some more of the way white for economy in production. Garden/park surveys with Mavis Batey the maps came into being; so let’s start (CPRE committee member as well as with the beginning of an idea! I had, (like many medieval then Secretary of the Garden History Society) as guide-mentor were mind- In 1968 the then Rights-of-Way cartographers!) collected opening experiences of garden history Committee continued to indicate up material for maps from and design; I would make later visits possible Long Distance Routes across information made available to finish the map draft. The Town and the County and organised County by others; now, I went forth Village maps included buildings on Walks to publicise these suggestions. the Listed Register as well as history The interest shown gave rise to the alone and walked the ground... and field names. At home I would idea of a Large Sponsored Walk, to write the title lines, draw the map and be organised by CPRE on a twenty- The result of the first Sponsored Walk then work out how much information mile circuit of Public Fieldpaths, was a resounding success. There I could include while keeping a visual and very carefully controlled by a followed nine further Sponsored balance between map and text. And so system of check-points and marshals. Walks organised by the “Save the to the printers, usually at the very last The Sponsored Walk maps became Countryside” Committee of CPRE minute. a redrawing of Ordnance Survey Oxfordshire and other Societies who information (I had a License to use O.S. gave me information on Natural The thematic information map can be material) with additional information History (BBONT) as well as the route a great visual aid to the work of CPRE for walkers; every inch of the proposed details (CPRE). I added material on as well as interesting and I am glad to route had been inspected and reported buildings, archaeology and local be able to help!’ upon for obstructions, lack of stiles, history, and decorative headings to missing signposts, etc. The need was make the route maps complete. The Alun Jones, 2006

Join the debate. Join the campaign. Join CPRE 9 Rob Bowker Oxfordshire Plan 2050 To read A Better Vision for Oxfordshire in full visit our website cpreoxon.org.uk

The Oxfordshire Plan 2050 (the unprecedented levels of development Next Steps new title for the Oxfordshire Joint that it is intended to unlock. We expect the next round of Statutory Spatial Plan) will set the consultation – which should include development framework for the The overall objective of the Plan proposals for broad areas for growth – county for the next generation. appears to be to facilitate vast levels of around June/July. This makes it critical for the growth – a doubling of population and protection of our rural character housing stock by 2050 – despite there We understand that this is likely to and environment. It’s also being being no discernible link between these include a full Review of the Oxford Green used as a pilot for other areas, so proposals and how they will actually Belt, with potentially some substantial the pressure is on to get it right not solve any of the identified problems. alterations being proposed to push the just for Oxfordshire but the country Common sense tells us that this rate inner boundary out some way from as a whole. of growth would actually be far more Oxford with a possible expanding of the likely to exacerbate the situation. outer boundary to ‘compensate’. We So far, the signs aren’t good. Despite wait, rather nervously, to see. over a year of promising to find a way Call for Ideas of involving informed stakeholders A ‘Call for Ideas’ was also put out as A Better Vision for such as CPRE, the good words have yet part of the Plan preparation, principally to be matched with any action from focusing on asking developers and Oxfordshire: an the Oxfordshire Growth Board. landowners to put forward sites for alternative approach development, but also seeking spatial CPRE has proposed an alternative A Vision for developers & big proposals relating to the environment solution, making the County’s rural business, not Oxfordshire and social concerns. character the fundamental starting residents? point from which decisions about We have now had a consultation CPRE Oxfordshire has proposed a the future development of the on the ‘Vision’ for the Plan. This feasibility study into Green Belts for County should be made. We believe did a reasonable job of identifying Bicester and Didcot, to encourage development should be well planned some of the issues – environmental urban regeneration and protect the and sensitively executed to protect degradation, lack of genuinely surrounding villages and countryside. and enhance Oxfordshire’s countryside affordable housing, pressure on so that anyone living in Oxfordshire in infrastructure and services including We also supported the Oxfordshire 2050 can experience the rural character rural isolation. Environment Board submission which of Oxfordshire which exists today. calls for enhancement of the county’s However, the consultation document Conservation Target Areas as part of a Oxfordshire’s countryside, towns took as read the growth proposals Nature Recovery Network. and villages are at the heart of its up to the mid-2030s, and beyond environmental, economic and social that we are put at the whim of the We look forward to hearing how these well-being. Local people, not unelected Government’s Oxford-Cambridge proposals will be assessed and taken quangos such as the National growth corridor proposals – including forward by the Oxfordshire Growth Infrastructure Commission, should be the new Expressway and the Board. in the driving seat.

10 CPRE Oxfordshire voice Spring 2019 • Have a plan for how our Our guiding principles, and means environment is going to be of realising our Vision, are that: protected and enhanced? Members • The amount of development, and • Develop Oxfordshire based on its timescale, should be based on natural growth and migration not Events 2019 natural growth and migration; arbitrary targets? Thursday 6th June 6.30-8.00pm • Brownfield land should be • Ensure housing densities make best Visit to Wykham Park Farm, developed first. Green Belt and use of land? Wykham Lane, Banbury Areas of Outstanding Natural OX16 9UP Beauty (AONB) land should • Support more affordable housing in Hosted by John and Julia Colegrave be developed as a last resort rural areas to meet local need? We shall be taken on a trailer under proven exceptional • Stop urban sprawl, the coalescence tour of this 800-acre mixed farm circumstances; of villages and prioritise brownfield with its cattle (including pedigree • Genuinely affordable housing sites? Longhorn), sheep, permanent should be made available, in • Create employment that reflects our grass pasture, arable and market perpetuity, to address local need; county’s needs and skills? gardening including asparagus. After the tour refreshments will • High densities of development • Strengthen neighbourhood planning should become standard, to be provided, a roast joint (beef or so that local communities can have pork) with bread rolls and an option avoid losing more land than their say about local plans and necessary; of cheese, and drinks. While we location of development? are enjoying this hospitality, John • Any new communities must be • Put residents at the heart of hopes to conduct a lively discussion sustainable and existing rural decision making, not unelected on the current state of farming. communities need investment quangos? No charge, donations to the Royal to support services and Agricultural Benevolent Institution • Work to protect the cultural capital infrastructure; (R.A.B.I) would be welcome. of Oxfordshire? • Job creation should reflect Unlimited places, please let us Oxfordshire’s existing skill • Develop and invest in transport know if you are attending by 31st base while addressing areas of strategies that reduce congestion, May. Call 01491 612079 or email need to reduce unsustainable increase public transport and [email protected] commuting. support cycling? • Recognise the importance of our Saturday 7th September environment in underpinning a 2.30-4.30pm Future development needs to balance healthy economy? Crockmore House Gardens, the County’s economic growth with Fawley, Henley-on-Thames protecting the County’s rural character • Protect rural tranquillity including RG9 6HY and environment. Oxfordshire is set dark skies and dark landscapes? Joint visit with Oxfordshire Gardens to grow at five times the national Trust rate, CPRE considers that growth on We shall be given a short talk anything like this scale would be What can you do? followed by a guided tour by the incompatible with preserving the rural Write to your MP: writetothem.com owner, Julia Kirkham, of this garden nature of Oxfordshire. designed by Christopher Bradley- Engage with the Oxfordshire Plan: Hole. The grasses for which this Planning for Oxfordshire should oxfordshireplan.org garden is noted should be at their prioritise the needs of communities best. The visit will be followed by tea and therefore residents should be given Donate: The Oxfordshire Plan 2050 and cakes. opportunities to decide the future of is one of the most significant pieces Places limited to 20. Cost £20 Oxfordshire. Younger members of the of work that CPRE Oxfordshire (£15 for members of OGT). Book by community, who will live with the has ever had to engage in and is 23rd August, please send cheque consequences of the Oxfordshire Plan enormously demanding in terms of payable to CPRE Oxon to CPRE 2050, should be proactively involved. time and resource. We thank all those Oxfordshire, First Floor, 20 High supporters who contributed to our Street, Watlington, Oxfordshire, CPRE Oxfordshire will be asking appeal for funds at the end of last OX49 5PY. councillors, MPs, the LEP and business year, to help support this work. If you leaders to consider an alternative would like to make a donation, please Details of all members events will be Oxfordshire Plan. You can also be part visit justgiving.com/campaign/ available on our website. of our Vision. Do you agree we should: CPREOxfordshire2050

Join the debate. Join the campaign. Join CPRE 11 CPRE Oxfordshire Branch AGM The Annual General Meeting 2019 will be on Saturday B4027 A4095 6th July 2019 at 2.30pm in Shipton-on-Cherwell Village A44 B4027 Bletchingdon Hall, Shipton-on-Cherwell, Kidlington, Oxfordshire OX5 1JP Woodstock A4095 Shipton-on-Cherwell This years AGM pays tribute to Oxfordshire’s 2,600 miles of footpaths Blenheim Palace R. Cherwell and rights of way. CPRE has recently A4260 Hampton Poyle published new editions of The London Oxfordshire Green Belt Way and The Oxford Oxfordshire Way guidebooks. Our Bladon Airport venue provides an opportunity to walk a section of the Oxford Green Belt Way prior to the AGM, see below for details. Begbroke Kidlington Refreshments will be provided after the AGM and talk. There is limited parking at the village hall, this will be reserved A34 for those with limited mobility – please contact us if you need a space. Yarnton

Public transport – Stagecoach S4 A44 Banbury-Oxford service operates once Worton an hour on Saturdays. Visit www.stagecoachbus.com Cassington for full timetable. A40 Pre-AGM Oxford Green Belt Way Walk A circular walk including a section of 11am Meet at Shipton on the Oxford Green Belt Way will take Cherwell Village Hall, place prior to this year’s AGM: where lunch orders will be taken. Saturday 6th July 2019 at 11am, 11.15am Set off meeting at Shipton-on-Cherwell 1.15pm Refreshments at Village Hall, Shipton-on-Cherwell, Annie’s Tea Room Kidlington, Oxfordshire OX5 1JP. 2pm Depart Annie’s The route is about 4 miles on relatively 2.15pm Arrive at Shipton-on- level walking with some stiles. The Cherwell Village Hall. ground could be muddy after rain, please wear appropriate footwear and The walk will be limited to 20 clothing. walkers and MUST be booked in advance. Please contact us if you It would be appreciated if walkers would like to take part. could find alternative parking in the Tel: 01491 612079 Email: © Roger Sweet village. [email protected]

Oxfordshire Voice Branch Office CPRE Online Published biannually by the Oxfordshire Branch CPRE Oxfordshire, First Floor, 20 High Street, Oxfordshire: www.cpreoxon.org.uk of the Campaign to Protect Rural England. Watlington, Oxon OX49 5PY Twitter: @CPREOxfordshire Design: Rob Bowker T: 01491 825609 (Registered office) www.facebook.com/CPREOxfordshire Print: Severnprint Ltd with vegetable inks T: 01491 612079 on recycled paper using renewable energy. E: [email protected] National: www.cpre.org.uk