Local councillors have vowed to continue opposing the loss of the Woodford Way car park in Witney after the Executive at West Oxfordshire District Council approved plans to proceed with development on the site.
The decision follows months of public opposition, including a petition signed by more than 2,700 residents, concerned about the impact of losing a well-used town centre car park.
While the Executive decision allows work to progress, the District Council will still be required to submit a full planning application, which will be subject to public consultation and scrutiny.
As a result of sustained pressure from residents and councillors, the number of public parking spaces proposed for the site has been increased from 20 to 77, although this total includes 16 electric vehicle charging spaces.
Cllr Liam Walker, District and County Councillor, said: “This decision is deeply disappointing, but it is not the end of the road. Over 2,700 residents have made it clear that Woodford Way is not surplus land it is vital town centre infrastructure. Because of our campaign, the District Council has been forced to increase public parking from 20 to 77 spaces, but even that figure, which includes 16 EV bays, falls well short of what Witney needs. With thousands of new homes planned across West Oxfordshire, reducing accessible town centre parking is simply not sustainable. The planning stage is still to come, and we will continue to oppose the loss of this car park and stand with residents every step of the way.”
Cllr David Edwards-Hughes, Witney Town Councillor, added: “The strength of public opposition to this proposal has been impossible to ignore, and it has already led to changes. But the fundamental problem remains that this development risks undermining access to Witney town centre at a time when demand is only increasing. We are being asked to accept the permanent loss of a key car park without a credible, long-term alternative. That is not good planning, and residents are right to continue challenging it.”
Both councillors stressed that the campaign against the closure of the Woodford Way car park is far from over, and are encouraging residents to engage fully when the planning application is submitted.
