Plans for a carbon‑neutral garden community in West Oxfordshire have reached a key milestone after a government‑appointed Planning Inspector concluded that the Salt Cross Garden Village Area Action Plan (AAP) complies with national policy and can move towards adoption.

The Inspector's report, issued following a rigorous and extended examination, endorses the Council’s approach to creating a climate‑conscious, well‑designed and future‑ready settlement. It confirms that the flagship Net Zero Carbon Development policy, which imposes ambitious energy‑efficiency standards on new buildings, is justified, effective and deliverable.

Salt Cross is among the first new communities in the country to enshrine a clear, energy‑led net zero standard within its planning framework, setting a new benchmark for local plans responding to the climate emergency.

Cllr Hugo Ashton, Executive Member for Planning, said: "This is a huge moment for Salt Cross and for West Oxfordshire. Salt Cross is all about doing things differently. From the beginning, we’ve worked to prove that net zero development can be practical, viable and legally robust, and I am extremely proud that we have been able to achieve that.

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"This plan shows that strong local ambition, backed by evidence and community support, can create a framework for better, climate-conscious places. We could not have achieved this without the continued positive support by campaign groups such as Rights Community Action.

"We're delighted that Salt Cross can now move into the next phase with a clear direction and strong support from the Oxford Growth Commission."

The AAP will guide development of Salt Cross to the north of the A40 near Eynsham. It sets out around 2,200 new homes; 40 hectares of employment land; schools, community facilities and green infrastructure; safe, direct walking, cycling and public transport routes; and a Biodiverse Country Park with ambitious targets for biodiversity net gain.

The endorsement follows years of public engagement and detailed scrutiny. In 2023 the net zero policy was tested at judicial review, prompting further examination. After additional hearings and very minor modifications, the Inspector has confirmed that the plan is sound.

The Council's Executive will consider the Inspector’s findings on Wednesday 11 February 2026, before the AAP is taken to Full Council for potential adoption on Wednesday 25 February 2026.

If adopted, the AAP will provide the basis for determining future planning applications and infrastructure proposals at Salt Cross. An outline planning application for the site is already being assessed, with ongoing discussions over funding local infrastructure and services through Section 106 agreements. Detailed applications for individual parcels will follow in due course.