The first of three public consultations on the Oxford-Cambridge Arc has been launched with appeals for the public to get involved.

The 12-week Government engagement exercise will help create the Arc’s Spatial Framework’s vision for the area to 2050 which will guide local planning and investment decisions in four areas:

  • The environment
  • The economy
  • Connectivity and infrastructure
  • Place-making

The Government will also establish an expert panel, chaired by development and regeneration specialist Emma Cariaga, to work with local authorities and communities on housing growth and to advise ministers.

Cllr Barry Wood, leader of Cherwell District Council and chair of the Arc Leadership Group said: “The bold economic and sustainability ambitions we have set out for our region need to be matched by well-planned, long-term and coordinated investment into our towns, cities and rural areas.

“Inclusive growth, with high environmental standards so that all our residents can benefit, remains at the heart of what we seek to achieve.

“By progressing the Arc Spatial Framework, Government will look at how and where we need to connect and build new infrastructure, whilst enhancing our environment to deliver the sustainable growth that our region is capable of.

“To start, we must shape a shared vision for the type of growth we want to see.

“This is why it’s so important for every single resident to be able to have their say directly to government on what matters most to them. How we create opportunities for people to prosper, today and in the future, is an important matter for everyone.”

Housing Minister Christopher Pincher said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for people across the Arc to make their voice heard and help create the future for their community that they want to see.

“Both the Spatial Framework consultation and expert advisory panel will help us to ensure the Oxford-Cambridge Arc will be a great place to live and work – now and in the decades to come.”

A document, Creating a vision for the Oxford-Cambridge Arc, has been published alongside Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report for the consultation.

The Government plans to use the Spatial Framework vision document to create the next document, ‘Towards a Spatial Framework’ which is planned to be published for consultation in Spring 2022.

The Government then hopes to publish a draft Spatial Framework for consultation in Autumn 2022, with publication of the final framework shortly after.

The current consultation runs until October 12.

Visit https://placebuilder.io/futureofthearc

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