Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member: Environment and Economy

Forward Plan Ref: 2026/113

Key decision

Contact: Dawn Pettis, Strategic Planning & Infrastructure Manager (Dawn.Pettis@oxfordshire.go.uk)

Report by Director of Economy and Place (CAB11)

The purpose of OxIS is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the strategic infrastructure that is necessary to support future development to 2050.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to

a)    Endorse the Oxfordshire Infrastructure Strategy Stage 2 Prioritisation Report (provided at Annex 1)

Cabinet had before it the 2026 Oxfordshire Infrastructure Strategy (OxIS) Stage 2 Prioritisation Report outlining the strategic infrastructure needed to support Oxfordshire’s projected growth to 2050.  The report identified key challenges in transport, energy, digital connectivity, water, green spaces, and social infrastructure, while highlighting a £7.6 billion funding gap out of the £9 billion required, and presenting a flexible, evidence-based prioritisation framework for over 550 projects to guide investment and sustainable development aligned with the county’s 2050 Strategic Vision.

Councillor Laura Gordon, Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy, presented the report.

During discussion, members discussed the importance of clear infrastructure priorities to support Oxfordshire’s significant growth in jobs and housing, noting that infrastructure delivery has lagged behind development. They referenced the need for basic infrastructure such as renewable energy connections and water management.

Concerns were raised about the rigidity of the current project scoring system, with calls for more flexibility to ensure equitable distribution of funding and the ability to respond to strategic opportunities. Cabinet agreed to add recommendations emphasising flexibility and the need for nuanced prioritisation, especially regarding job and housing co-location.

Members also highlighted the lack of focus on climate adaptation in the current strategy and the need to consider alternative funding mechanisms, such as land value capture. They agreed that future iterations should place greater emphasis on climate mitigation, adaptation, and sustainable funding.

Councillor Gordon moved and Councillor Fawcett seconded the amended recommendations.

RESOLVED to :-

a)    Endorse the Oxfordshire Infrastructure Strategy Stage 2 Prioritisation Report (provided at Annex 1)

b)    Note the need for flexibility in bringing forward projects for funding to ensure equitable distribution of funding around the County and take advantage of strategic funding opportunities as they arise.

c)    Ensure that future iterations of this report or other infrastructure prioritisation exercises, such as the Spatial Development Strategy, place stronger emphasis on: job creation in priority locations; housing development in priority locations (notably Oxford City); climate mitigation and adaptation; and alignment with Oxfordshire County Council transport and other policies.