The Head of Planning and Regulatory Services submitted a report (previously circulated, now appended) which detailed the progress of the Oxford Growth Strategy and identified future financial pressures which may arise as a consequence of it.

Cllr Hollingsworth, Executive Board Member for Planning, Transport and Regulatory Services presented the report and tabled the City Executive Board responses to the Scrutiny Committee recommendations (appended). In summary he said that the aim of the Growth Strategy was to promote and deliver sustainable urban extensions to Oxford, by way of a Green Belt review in order to meet the huge housing need within the City.  Fundamental to this was the success of the City Council’s joint working with the other Oxfordshire authorities and stakeholders.

In discussion the Board noted the importance of ensuring that the Growth Strategy addressed both social/affordable and private housing need and also the requirements of the local workforce.  The Board also commented on the challenges facing the Council in delivering the Growth Strategy.

The Board thanked officers for the clear and comprehensive report.

The City Executive Board resolved to:

1.    Note the contents of this report, in particular the potential need to identify additional resources of £310,000.