Oakley Farm
This page will be used to provide updates on the current draft Local Plan proposal to develop Oakley Farm with c.500 houses.
17 November 2025
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Councillor, John Izett spoke at the cabinet meeting on Tuesday 11th November- see here: https://fb.watch/DmZNyxuY8P/
At this point, Oakley will remain in the spatial strategy as the Local Plan goes to Regulation 18.
What is Regulation 18?
Regulation 18 refers to a stage in the Local Plan preparation process in England under the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012.
What Regulation 18 means
Regulation 18 is the first formal public consultation stage when a council is preparing a new Local Plan or updating an existing one.
At this stage, the local planning authority must:
1. Notify “specific” and “general” consultation bodies (e.g., statutory agencies, community groups, neighbouring authorities).
2. Invite public comments on what the Local Plan should contain.
3. Consider alternative approaches or development options.
4. Gather early evidence and views to shape the draft plan.
Purpose
The goal of a Regulation 18 consultation is to collect views early so the council can refine the plan before drafting the more formal version that later goes through Regulation 19.
In simple terms:
Regulation 18 = “Tell us what the Local Plan should include?”
Regulation 19 = “Here is the draft — do you think it is legally sound?”
Once we receive formal notification that Regulation 18 is underway, we will ask you to resubmit your comments.
20 October 2025:
If you feel strongly about the proposal we would encourage you to write to Cllr Andy Konieczko (Cllr.Andy.Konieczko@basingstoke.gov.uk) Cabinet member for planning at BDBC and express your objection to the proposal- We have set out below some headings/topics to assist you…
- The site is not suitable for development as it is at risk from flooding;
- The site is in very poor location with no local facilities nearby, all trips to key destinations such as schools, shops, GP work will be by car;
- There is no local bus service;
- The Council’s own assessment of the site highlights that accessibility is an issue;
- West Berkshire Council does not think that the location is one where sustainable development can be delivered;
- The existing local facilities at Highclere and Woolton Hill will not be able to cope with the new development;
- The site is poorly located to where most people in the District live; their housing needs should be met much closer to them;
- Has the Council consulted West Berkshire Council on the proposal and if so what have they said?
- Relying on the appeal decision for development at Watermill Bridge is not a reason to allocate Oakley Farm for even more development.
If you want to be kept up to date with our campaign, please email:
Amy White, Clerk to Highclere Parish Council: clerk@highclere-pc.gov.uk and keep in touch by signing up for updates on our website.
