Council restates its opposition to the Abingdon reservoir at a busy December meeting

In its last full meeting of the year, council debated significant points of interest to the district and its future, with a motion restating the Vale’s opposition to the proposed reservoir, SESRO. It also considered the upcoming consultation to the council’s forthcoming joint local plan and its future commitment to climate action and nature recovery, Much of this was reflected in the priorities outlined by council leader, Cllr Bethia Thomas, in her leader’s statement.

Vale of White Horse District Council met on Wednesday 13 December, and also considered matters relating to the upcoming budget setting process, due to be finalised in the new year. The council is proud of its record to manage its finances and continues to seek to find a balance between its strong financial position and assessing the needs of its most vulnerable residents, in its council tax reduction scheme for 2024/2025.

Council considered two motions. Both motions were agreed.

You can find all the details of the meeting here. You can also view details the questions to council here.

Highlights

Motion opposing Thames Water’s Proposed Reservoir: The first motion noted the council’s concerns around the Southeast Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO) set out in the draft regional plan by Thames Water. The council’s resolutions included to request a meeting with the current Secretary of State alongside a call for the SESRO approval processes to be paused. Proposer Cllr Robert Clegg-; Seconder – Cllr Andy Cooke

Motion affirming the Council’s Commitment to Nature Recovery: The second motion focussed on action on the crisis in nature and our commitment to nature recovery. The council acknowledged the importance of biodiversity and nature and resolved to ensure both were given equal priority with climate change within planning policies and design guides and the new corporate plan. Proposer – Cllr Sarah James; Seconder – Cllr Katherine Foxhall

Unanimous approval of Chilton Parish Council’s S106 Request: The council unanimously approved a request for S106 funding for play area/recreation improvements, including accessible equipment for children of all abilities – this is a part of continual commitment of VoWHDC to provide accessible equipment for play areas in the district.