Sir, We learn that the email address for comments on the Carterton Master Plan does not work. Is this a deliberate plan on Carterton Town Council’s behalf to prevent any comments reaching them or its consultants? Is their consultation procedure open and above board?

Here are my comments. Basically Does Carterton need to expand? Are the conditions right?

Few would argue against the need to improve Carterton town centre and this should be the prime focus for development, making it more attractive for shoppers.

Building more housing will not promote growth – just a bigger dormitory town!

There is not enough employment within Carterton to justify any expansion beyond that in the existing WODC Local Plan.

No further employment land should be allocated until such time as the currently allocated employment/retail land is 80 per cent occupied with operational businesses providing significant high-quality employment.

No further development outside Carterton town boundaries should be permitted until the West Oxfordshire/Oxfordshire transport infrastructure is upgraded to meet the needs of the area (to include an upgrade of the A40/A34/A420, the A40/A34 interchange, and a new rail link from West Oxfordshire to Oxford).

Any development outside Carterton town boundary must be done with proper consultation with the parishes that are going to be impacted, under the guidance of the proper planning authorities.

All this would be obvious if the Carterton Master Plan showed the parish boundaries, showed the current allocation for building, discussed employment and the road infrastructure. It is short on detail. But can we register this fact?

Phil Holmes
Carterton Road
Brize Norton