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Oxford's 2016 questionnaire - The CHARTS
1 Oxford's planners did a good job - we compliment them
- for a clear and full set of questions and the effort to get them answered.
They set up a presence at about 20 events to distribute the questionnaire leaflet, put other questions online,
- and compiled the answers as clear charts (see them on the following pages).
Only about 350 people replied to each qestionnaire, but the results give a
very expressive answer from the public to the questions the planners asked.
2 See the results of the two questionnaires on the following pages:
GREEN = leaflet ORANGE = online
They looks like a real cross-section of public opinion: - scroll down and check 'em out.

Oxford Local Plan 2036: First Steps Consultation Report 6
PART 2- SUMMARY OF RESULTS
CONSULTATION RESPONSES
At the close of the consultation, 608 responses had been received. 267 responses were submitted
via the online questionnaire, 263 responses were posted in reply to the leaflet questionnaire, and 78
were other written responses. Responses are summarised in this section and are structured by
topic.
The leaflet questionnaire contained 7 sets of questions with multiple statements against which
respondents could tick if they agreed, plus an additional 3 open-ended questions at the beginning
and end of the questionnaire. The results are illustrated below in a graph (in green) summarising the
number of the 263 respondents who agreed with each statement. The additional comments written
in the comment boxes are also summarised.
The online questionnaire was linked to the consultation booklet and contained more detailed
questions. Respondents were asked to show how strongly they agreed with each statement. Graphs
of these responses are shown below (in orange). Further comments written in the comment boxes
of the online questionnaire are also summarised.
Many emails and letters were also sent in response to the consultation. These are summarised by
topic and are shown at the end of each of the topic sections below.
THEME 1: LIVING AND HOUSING
Leaflet questionnaire: How many agreed with statements on living and housing
72
99
175
85
46
193
0
50
100
150
200
250
As many new
homes as
possible
More family
homes (at
least 3
bedrooms)
More
affordable
homes to rent
(social rented)
More homes
for older
people
More
university
student halls
of residence
More housing
for key
workers
(GREEN = leaflet questionnaire)

Key worker housing
Online questionnaire: Some housing sites should be protected for key worker housing
23 people mentioned the importance of housing for key workers (or cheaper housing for workers in
the city), including NHS workers, school workers and care assistants working with the elderly; and
particularly family housing for key workers. Providing key worker housing was seen as a way to help
schools, universities and hospitals to fill vacancies, without encouraging commuting. Several
respondents noted the particular need for key worker housing in Headington and some that there
was already enough student and elderly accommodation but that housing for hospital staff was
badly needed. There was some concern key worker homes could be sold on as non-key worker
homes.
Housing numbers and where to build new housing
11 people said that there is a severe shortage of new housing and acknowledged the general need to
provide more. A lack of couples/family housing to buy was specifically mentioned. 1 respondent said
that there must be a limit on growth and greed. 1 respondent said they are disappointed with the
Council prioritizing the building of unaffordable and inaccessible housing. 3 others said that analysis
of data and understanding of demand was needed to make decisions on this matter. 1 respondent
said they disputed the data used as a basis for the plans and another said we should wait to see the
effects of Brexit as it could release housing.
(ORANGE
= online
questionnaire)

15 people said that building on brownfield sites and re-using land for housing, particularly
underused industrial and other employment land and any under occupied land (1 suggesting public
car parks such as Marsh Park), should be a priority, as well as ensuring new sites are allocated for
housing development rather than business development. 1 respondent said it is important to avoid
infill building in existing gardens and the overdevelopment of areas. 4 people said that it is better to
build outside the ring road to prevent overcrowding within because it is accessible and 1 said there
should be no new housing developments in the villages as it is ruining the countryside and village
life. 1 respondent suggested science parks should have top-floor apartments for graduate students
and 2 respondents said student housing should be moved to a campuses out of town. 3 respondents
cautioned building on flood plains.
Affordability of housing
24 mentioned the strong need for affordable/social housing for those on lower incomes and support
for council homes, housing associations and social rented housing, with 1 mentioning shared
ownership. Many mentioned issues resulting from the lack of affordable housing including holding
back the economy, long commutes and impoverishment of working classes. Many of these
respondents mentioned specific groups whose needs should be considered, including adults living
with their parents, vulnerable people who are homeless or at risk. 2 mentioned the importance of
retaining affordable housing was mentioned with the suggestion of revoking right to buy. 1
mentioned lowering private rent or increasing social rent so the gap is smaller, and 2 said the
number of private rentals should be capped. 2 respondents said that social housing should be on
mixed new developments. 1 respondent said there should be a focus on new homes for local people
who can’t afford Oxford property prices.
Housing for specific groups such as the elderly
Online questionnaire:
Specialist housing for the elderly would encourage downsizing and release homes

The importance of sheltered accommodation for elderly and other groups was mentioned, as was
the need for bungalows with gardens for disabled people who shouldn’t be in flats. 9 people
commented in support of housing for the elderly that would encourage people to downsize and
enable them to stay even when frail, although it was also pointed out that people shouldn’t feel
pressured to move, that complexes should be attractive and accessible, should be in the general
community (elderly people should not be segregated) and should have gardens. 3 respondents
mentioned that elderly people are often keen to stay in their own homes. Several also commented
on how elderly person accommodation should be provided, mentioning the need for space for
relatives to stay if visiting. 2 respondents thought there is already enough accommodation for the
elderly whilst 2 respondents said housing for the homeless should be a top priority.
Student and university accommodation
Online questionnaire: Having more student halls would reduce pressure on housing market

New student halls should be prioritised for the universities (rather than other institutions)
A couple of respondents thought there was too much emphasis on students, who already seem to
be taking over in some areas such as Headington, and who already have enough accommodation. 9
respondents said there should be no more student housing, because there is already enough or too
much and because additional would just exacerbate the problems, and because they feel it already is
taking precedence over family housing, or in one case because the universities are not the reason for
the accommodation shortage. 7 thought students should live in halls where possible, and that the
Universities should be encouraged/enabled/made to provide enough accommodation. 8
respondents suggested that the solution to pressure on the housing market from students should be
to cap student numbers, or to move language schools out of Oxford. The high cost of student
accommodation, particularly in respect of its often poor quality was of concern to 2 respondents,
and 2 respondents thought that other forms of student accommodation tended to be more
attractive to students. In terms of the location of student accommodation, 1 respondent thought it
should be located only within existing college land, 1 respondent thought halls should be located
near the university only, and 1 respondent thought it should be located in different areas. Another
said Brookes should refurbish its halls, rather than selling old ones to build new. 1 respondent asked
what the University of Oxford’s plans are and one said the University of Oxford is not contributing to
Oxford’s future.

Balance of dwelling sizes, flats and houses and Houses of Multiple Occupation
Online questionnaire: Require a mix of home sizes (number of bedrooms)
10 respondents thought there should be more flats for a range of reasons including to enable higher
density, to replace old houses of no historic or architectural importance, to be more affordable
(smaller flats), so individuals and couples don’t take up family housing and to ensure those living
alone are suitably accommodated. 1 respondent said almost all new housing should be 2
bedroomed, another said 1 and 2 bedroomed, and another said there should be more one bedroom
and starter homes as family sizes are reducing. 1 respondent thought there should be more homes
for young families, and 3 said there is a need for a mixture of housing across the city. 2 respondents
thought there should be flexibility, that the balance of dwellings policy makes things worse. 4
respondents said housing should be higher density/more storeys (with good design and facilities),
including flats up to 5 storeys or town houses of 3 storeys, and 3 others said there is too much high
density housing/a danger of saturating areas/a need to balance new homes with green spaces.
2 respondents thought new HMOs and buy-to-lets should be limited. Another respondent thought
HMOs aimed at over 30s should be encouraged.
Housing standards
1 commented that there should be more action taken on sub-standard housing. Another that there
should be more innovative flats and shared communal spaces.
Parking
Some respondents commented that car free developments don’t work for developments of 2+ beds
as families need a car. Another that developers are encouraged to build student accommodation as
they do not need to provide parking which should be the case for other types of housing too. The

Local Plan should accord with the Government’s policy and guidance regarding Starter Homes and their
relationship with wider affordable housing policy. (University of Oxford,Christ Church, Exeter, Magdalen,
Merton & St John’s Colleges)
THEME 2: ECONOMY AND SKILLS
Leaflet questionnaire: how many agreed with statements on the economy and skills
Employment growth
Some people thought that businesses should be encouraged to locate and grow in the city; that
more jobs are needed with diverse job opportunities (9) and that Oxford needs industry and
business – car factories (2)
However many people raised concerns about this. These concerns were:
o Land should be used to provide new homes, not for employment development. Mismatch in
housing and employment creates infrastructure problems. Some industrial estates could be
used for housing
o Business growth is not needed; existing employment sites are not full, Oxford has low
unemployment and there are already too many jobs and too few applicants. Stability is more
important than growth. Small city identity. Want Oxford to contract
o More employment development will increase pressure on Oxford’s housing, natural
environment and infrastructure, particularly transport. Creating more jobs will only make
106
167
176 172
141
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
200
Business Parks and
industrial estates
are protected for
employment and
invested in.
Small business units
and hubs for start-
up and growing
companies are
available.
There is a range of
jobs and
opportunities for
all parts of our
community.
We build on
Oxford's economic
strengths (such as
health, education
and science).
Developers are
asked to help
provide training
and skills for local
people e.g. for
construction
workers.

Oxford’s housing crisis worse. Employment development should not be prioritised above
quality of life.
o Oxford has limited space for new businesses and people. The city cannot grow indefinitely.
o Economic growth doesn’t necessarily help to address inequalities.
It was clear that most people felt there needed for an appropriate balance between housing and
employment. A lot of people suggested that Oxford’s housing crisis needs to be addressed before
more jobs are created, as otherwise there will be no-where for these new workers to live.
Some people commented that it was important to provide more jobs for local people. It was also
suggested that the Local Plan should include a policy on ‘Community Employment Plans’.
Protection of employment sites
Online questionnaire: Continue to protect employment sites so that businesses can grow
Some people thought that employment sites should be protected. One suggestion was that all office
spaces should be protected, not just those in business parks. Another suggestion was that
employment sites should be protected but not allowed to grow due to the impacts on housing.
However, other people felt that employment sites should not be protected as they should be able to
respond organically to market conditions and/or have the potential to provide new homes. 1
respondent thought that we may no longer have economic strengths post-Brexit; another that EU
funded sectors and particularly research from Oxford University needs to be protected.
(ORANGE
= online
questionnaire)

Type of employment development
Live-work units and hubs for small businesses would help start-ups and creative industries
Some people specified the type of employment development that they would like to see. This
included a new local ‘silicon valley’ digital hub and flexible workspaces for the self-employed,
including live-work units. Some people felt that large high tech businesses are encouraged at the
expense of smaller businesses.
4 respondents commented that there needed to be a better balance of jobs between locals and
commuters incomers; 5 that salaries need to reflect the cost of living and 2 that key workers needed
affordable housing to protect economy.
Some commented that Oxford will always have a range of job opportunities but that there is a need
to focus on low skill jobs and opportunities for those in poorly paid jobs, and others to focus on jobs
for school leavers/young people
Some felt that there was currently a great variety of IT/ science jobs and that the university related
sectors and science will continue to grow and others a focus on health.
Location of employment development
Some people felt that employment sites outside of the city centre should be considered, with
suggestions that sites outside the ring road should be prioritised and that new businesses should be
incentivised to move out to the surrounding towns. There was also the suggestion that more could

Online questionnaire: Developers should be required to provide training for local people
A range of comments were received in relation to training and skills:
 Employers should be providing training and apprenticeships (9). Those that don’t provide
apprentices should cover training costs.
 There should be more engagement between local employers and students/people with no
or low qualifications.
 Developers should provide apprenticeships or contribute financially.
 Training should be provided by the state/community, not the private sector. Partnerships
between the local government and employers could deliver training.
 Oxford’s state schools need more money and attention. They should be prioritised over
private schools.
 More learning/training options should be available to those aged 13+ years who are not
‘academic’.
 The scope for academies to support each other should be investigated.
 The universities could do more to support the training of local people, possibly in
partnership with local government.
 Some minorities are overlooked, jobs should be available for immigrants and refugees.
Infrastructure
Many people felt that it was important for developers to contribute to the provision of
infrastructure and that current infrastructure couldn’t support growth but that the infrastructure
needs to be in place to facilitate the growth. Schools and transport infrastructure (particularly
improved provisions for buses) were highlighted as priorities.

Training and Skills
Online questionnaire: Land should be protected to provide new and expanded schools

Leaflet questionnaire: How many agreed with statements on transport
209
124
54
40 37
163
0
50
100
150
200
250
Provide direct
walking and
cycling routes
that are
separate from
traffic?
Using more of
the road space
for pedestrians,
cyclists and
buses and less
for cars?
Reduce the
amount of
public car
parking in our
city and district
centres?
Provide less car
parking for new
homes?
Planning for
other types of
development
(such as
businesses,
shops and
leisure) with less
car parking?
Reducing
congestion at
peak times, by
encouraging
homeworking
and flexible
working
patterns?

One-way radials
Online questionnaire: Road space should be reallocated from cars to buses, for example through
the introduction of a one-way system for cars on Woodstock and Banbury Roads

Segregated traffic and cycle lanes
Online questionnaire: Walking and cycling routes separated from traffic should be provided

Reviewing the Green Belt/possible urban extensions
Urban extensions close to Oxford (on the Green Belt) would help meet future housing needs

Building on green spaces
Some poor quality/under-used recreational areas could be partly developed for housing

Renewable Energy
Online questionnaire: Require new developments to include on-site renewable energy generation

How many agreed with the statements on wise use of resources in the leaflet questionnaire
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
Develop taller
buildings in some
areas?
Encourage new homes
to be built in existing
back gardens or
between buildings?
Consider developing
parts of recreational
areas that are poor
quality or not well
used?
Continue to support
sustainable urban
extensions to enable
Oxford to grow?

Air quality/congestion charge/Low emission zone
Online questionnaire: More restrictive emissions zones should be introduced

THEME 5: STRONG COMMUNITIES, HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Active travel
Online questionnaire: Walking and cycling routes and facilities for sport, recreation and
leisure should be made available to help physical and mental wellbeing

Key worker housing
Graph of online questionnaire results: Provision of more key worker/staff accommodation should
be encouraged as it would help support schools and hospitals

Health services
Graph of online questionnaire results: Local facilities such as GPs, hospitals and medical research
should be strengthened to support the health services

Parking
Online questionnaire: Numbers of parking should be limited for residential developments

Online questionnaire: Numbers of parking spaces should be limited for workplaces

Leaflet questionnaire: How many agreed with the statements on green spaces
170
195
223
0
50
100
150
200
250
Work with private landowners
to increase public access to
existing green spaces in the
city?
Ensure open space is made
publicly available when large
new sites are developed?
Protect a network of green
spaces for different needs such
as recreation, biodiversity and
flood protection?

Value of green spaces
Graph of online questionnaire results: A network of green spaces should be protected

Community facilities - level of provision
Graph of online questionnaire results: Space/facilities should be provided for communities to
gather and interact

Protection of green spaces
Allow development on less sensitive green spaces if it brings improvements to public open space

Public Access to Private Spaces
Online results: Seek public access to existing private green spaces and recreational facilities

Leaflet questionnaire: How many who agreed with the statements on design
198
137
182
0
50
100
150
200
250
Continue to protect the
views of the dreaming
spires by restricting tall
buildings?
Encourage new, modern
architecture where
appropriate?
Plan new development to
protect local character?

Building height
Online questionnaire: Taller buildings could be located in some areas if well designed

Online questionnaire: Modern architecture and higher densities should be encouraged

THEME 8: FUN, CENTRES and SHOPPING
Leaflet questionnaire: How many agreed with these statements :
178
84
72
154 150
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
200
Expand whats on
offer in local
centres so they
remain the focus
for the community,
with space for
people to gather
and hold events?
Promote evening
entertainment in
the city centre
such as
restaurants,
cinemas and
theatres?
Enourage more
cafes and
restaurants in the
city centre and
local centres?
Increase areas of
the city that are
pedestrianised?
Make the best use
of facilities by
ensuring they are
multi-functional,
for example
providing
community and
sports uses?

Pedestrianisation
Online questionnaire: Pedestrianisation should create a more pleasant environment for users

Other uses
Online questionnaire: Modern high streets should include other uses alongside retail

District Centres
Graph of online questionnaire results: Local centres should be enhanced to provide a greater range
of facilities for local needs

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Consultation charts of 2016 answers

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Consultation charts of 2016 answers