Residents’ feedback is helping to shape Oxfordshire County Council’s plans for enhancements to Witney High Street and Market Square. A report on its recent public consultation has been published, and the council is now using the learning from participants to improve the designs.
The project is funded by a £1.98 million government active travel grant awarded in 2022 and aims to enhance walking, cycling and public transport options in the town centre. Community engagement with residents and businesses in 2023 identified things that mattered most for local people, which helped to shape the draft designs.
During the consultation in September and October 2024, over 1,800 people accessed the online survey, 272 attended drop-in events, and 417 completed the survey, with most respondents living in Witney or West Oxfordshire.
The results showed general support for the proposals. Respondents appreciated the plans’ focus on enhancing the town centre as a welcoming, enjoyable place that
- preserves Witney’s history and character,
- supports local businesses,
- promotes safer, more accessible walking, wheeling and cycling.
Following the feedback received, changes to the plans will include:
- A review of accessibility and provision of blue badge parking throughout the project area.
- More on-street loading opportunities for businesses.
- A new bus stop to help manage services stopping at Market Square.
- Seating arrangements that work best with the shop fronts and the street.
- A new junction layout at Welch Way to improve road safety.
- More detailed plans for trees and plants.
Once the adjustments have been made, the plans will be presented for statutory consultation in early 2025, with construction anticipated to begin in the summer of 2025.
Councillor Judy Roberts, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Development Strategy, said: “From the very beginning, it’s been so important to us to get this right for Witney. Local voices and insights are at the heart of this project because no one knows the town better than the people who live and work here.
“We want this plan to truly reflect local community needs and ideas. That’s why we are working hard to make sure the final designs are not only practical but also accessible for everyone.”
The implementation of the traffic restriction in Witney High Street and Market Square made permanent in December 2021, formed the basis of a funding application to Active Travel England.
Oxfordshire County Council was subsequently awarded £1.98m for full project delivery of a further scheme to improve a section of the town centre comprising the High Street between its junction with Welch Way up to and including the Market Square.
The public consultation period began on 11 September 2024 and finished 28 days later on 9 October 2024.
Overall, approximately 60% of survey respondents have expressed positive feedback on the proposals, providing confidence to proceed into the detailed design and construction phase.
However, while the plans have incorporated several features identified through community engagement, further changes are necessary to meet the operational needs of businesses and public transport.
