A NEWLY-created neighbourhood plan in Summertown and St. Margaret's has been overwhelmingly approved by residents in a referendum.

93 per cent of people in the North Oxford wards backed the plan.

Turnout was low, at 18 per cent, though campaigners were not expecting a big showing for Thursday's vote.

Oxford Mail:

Advocates say the proposals, which have been nearly five years in the making and focus on local development, will ‘benefit the whole community’. 

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The plan, drawn up by the Summertown and St Margaret’s Neighbourhood Forum, includes policies on housing, transport, health, the environment and business.

Shamus Donald, the organisation’s chair, had labelled the vote 'a unique opportunity'.

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He added: "The plan will provide the foundations for the Neighbourhood Forum to develop and protect the area for the benefit of the whole community."

1,319 voted in favour, with 104 against, according to Oxford City Council figures.

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The council said they will now use the approved plan when deciding planning applications in the Summertown and St Margaret's area.

For more details and to see the plan, visit https://bit.ly/2T18WK4