Partners from across the Carterton area are joining together to deliver more for communities, drive investment and help shape a stronger future for the area as part of the development and delivery of the Carterton Area Regeneration Framework.

Local councils, businesses, representatives from health, education and community organisations together with other key partners from across the Carterton area will form the new Carterton Area Place Board, giving local voices a greater role in deciding what the area needs and bringing together the organisations needed to develop projects, secure investment and make sure plans for the area reflect what local communities and businesses need.

It is hoped that this approach will drive forward investment and improvement in the area including regenerating Carterton town centre so it better serves the town and surrounding villages, supporting local businesses and creating more opportunities for people to work and develop their skills locally. It will also look at how investment in transport, community facilities and public spaces can create better-connected communities and improve the day-to-day experience of living and working in the area.

The Place Board will be a partnership approach making sure local stakeholders have a say in their future. It will oversee the development and delivery of the framework. By bringing together organisations responsible for different aspects of the area, it will provide a forum to agree priorities, coordinate projects and make a stronger case for funding and investment.

It will sit alongside the Council’s Local Plan which will set out where new homes and employment are proposed and the infrastructure they will need. The regeneration framework will add to that plan, bringing partners together to focus on what else is needed to make the area work well for the people who live and work there.

Cllr Liz Leffman, Executive Member for Planning and Infrastructure, said:

“There is a real opportunity to think differently about the future of Carterton and the surrounding villages and build on the strengths and investment we are already seeing across the area.

“A large number of new homes are planned for Carterton. Independent businesses are opening in the town centre, new commercial space is being created at West Oxfordshire Business Park and we have seen investment in places such as Kilkenny Country Park and our sport and leisure facilities. Alongside RAF Brize Norton, one of the area’s biggest employers, these give us strong foundations to build on, whether that is creating more local jobs and training opportunities, supporting thriving businesses or making the town centre somewhere people want to spend time and can be proud of.

“None of that can be achieved by the District Council working on its own and we believe in true partnership working. Establishing the Place Board is an important next step because it brings all the organisations that can make these things happen, around one table, with a shared focus on what the area needs and what we can achieve together.

“This board will create a plan for the future of the area developed by local people, for local people. It is an exciting opportunity, and we are pleased to be driving forward this proactive approach to improving one of the key towns in our district."

The Place Board is due to hold its first meeting in October.

West Oxfordshire District Council Communications Team

communications@westoxon.gov.uk

Read the full report here: https://meetings.westoxon.gov.uk/documents/s18018/260909_CARF_report%20to%20Ex_FINAL.pdf