City of Oxford
Oxford is internationally recognised for its historic environment, much of which stems from the City's development as a centre of learning over the last millenium. Like all planning authorities the City Council produces planning documents that seek both to facilitate and constrain development with the City.
The City Council's principal planning document is the Local Plan 2001 – 2016. However it is currently completing the implementation of its new local planning framework document, Core Strategy 2026, which, together with other supporting policy documents, will supersede the Local Plan in due course. Other local authorities possess and update similar planning framework documents.
The planning policy documents provide a context within which the University can apply for planning permission and other related approvals including:
- Identifying new sites and re-affirming existing sites as suited for University and College developments
- Seeking to limit the number of students living outside University and College accommodation
- Protecting the historic core through:
- Conservation areas
- Protecting listed buildings
- Setting height limits for development in the centre of Oxford
- Establishing protected views into and within the City
- Promoting sustainability issues including local generation of power
- Limiting car usage within the City and promoting non-car use
