I’m deeply concerned about West Oxfordshire District Council’s proposal to build new homes on the Woodford Way car park in Witney a move that would reduce public parking spaces for visitors to the town centre.
Witney is a growing market town, and access to convenient, free parking is essential for residents, businesses, shoppers, and visitors. With plans in place for up to 18,000 new homes across West Oxfordshire by 2041, a significant number of which are expected to be built in and around Witney and Carterton, demand for town centre infrastructure including parking is only going to increase.
The Council’s decision to remove the majority of spaces from one of the town's key car parks is short-sighted and risks:
- Damaging the local economy by deterring shoppers and visitors from coming into Witney.
- Putting additional pressure on already limited parking elsewhere in the town.
- Undermining the sustainability and accessibility of our town centre at a time when growth should be carefully planned, not rushed.
We call on West Oxfordshire District Council to rethink these plans, protect parking provision in Witney, and work with the community to find solutions that support not hinder our town’s future.
