Friends of St Nicholas School (FOSNS) invite you to their winter bazaar. Friday 3rd December 2021 from 15:10 to 16:45 at St Nicholas School Marston. Outdoor Christmas market style fundraising event for families, friends and local people. There will be mulled wine, hot chocolate, tombola, raffle, pre-loved books, glitter tattoos, tuck shop and music.  Download the poster here for more details.

You are warmly invited to the Christmas Market that will be taking place on Saturday 4th December from 15:00 to 17:00 at the Marston Eco-hub (outside the vicarage in Elsfield Road). There will be mulled wine, Roast Chestnuts, Gifts, Cakes, Crafts, Tea, Tombola, Carols, Refil Station, Gingerbread, Coffee and Music. You can download the poster here.

The Met Office has as cold weather alert service that runs throughout the winter. You can find out more here: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/seasonal-advice/cold-weather-alerts

The Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) 2022-26 is Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s cornerstone document, which sets out how we will deliver the Fire and Rescue service for Oxfordshire County Council and Cherwell District Council for the next four years. To find out more and to have your say just follow this link. Deadline is 15th December  2021.

County Highways are asking for your views on the proposal to amend the Marston North CPZ traffic regulation order (TRO) as to alter the hours of operation of the CPZ for Elms Drive (only) to restrict parking to allow permit holders only to park between 9am & 5pm on Monday to Fridays. The proposals would not allow for non-resident 2-hour parking in the road as a result, but visitors would be able to utilise visitor permits as supplied by residents. Deadline date is 31st December 2021. Follow this link to find out more and to have your say.

Oxford City Council are seeking your views to develop Oxford’s Economic Strategy and Delivery Plan. Oxford’s Draft Economic Strategy outlines Oxford City Council and Oxford Economic Growth Board partners’ proposed approach to economic development. It proposes a shared commitment to deliver existing development projects and new initiatives in ways which support the transition to an inclusive, global, zero carbon economy. Follow this link to find out more and to have your say. Deadline is 19th January 2022.

Oxford City Council are seeking your views with regards to the development of the city centre. You can find out more and have your say by following this link. Deadline is 19th January 2022.

The government has introduced a bill which will affect the rules on voting, which should become law before the May elections. You can find out more here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/999226/BILL_SUMMARY_-_GOV.UK_Accessible.pdf

The Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) is a new public body. It protects and improve the environment by holding government and public authorities to account. It was legally created in November 2021, under the Environment Act 2021. It expects to be fully established early in 2022 after Parliament takes the steps needed for its’ functions and powers to be made available to it. Its’ work covers England. In the coming months, the Northern Ireland Assembly may also decide that its’ work will cover Northern Ireland.  You can find out more on their website.

The plans for the proposed development at the site of Almond’s Farm, which is the Land West of Mill Lane, have now been approved (Oxford Mail Article: Oxford City Council: 80 new homes approved despite village traffic worries | Oxford Mail). The proposal is for up to 80 dwellings. This is in addition to the 160 dwellings that have been approved for development at Hill View Farm next to it. The land is owned by the city council and managed by Oxford City Housing Limited (find out more information here). To view the application and to have your say just follow the link to the city council planning site and enter the application number: 21/01217/FUL.

This is a small piece of land off Butt’s Lane next to Buswell Mobile Home Park. It was designated in the Local Plan for future development of 39 dwellings. There will be a public consultation before plans are submitted later this year.

The clerk has compiled a document of responses by both the council and local residents which you can download here.

This is a proposed development of about 750 dwellings on land owned by Christ Church College on land north of Bayswater Brook in the greenbelt. Although outside the parish, it would impact greatly on the parish. The Parish Council is currently having meetings with the PR company representing the developer as a key local stakeholder. This is part of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2035

• South Oxfordshire Local Plan – link
• South Oxfordshire Infrastructure Delivery Plan – link
• Bioabundance – a local pressure group opposed to the development – their website
• Detailed information on Headington website: Land North of Bayswater Brook (headington.org.uk)

To find and report road or street problems – please contact the county highways department. You can easily do this on-line by following this link: https://fixmystreet.oxfordshire.gov.uk/

Thames Valley Police have launched a campaign to show that you can report many crimes online instead of calling, taking pressure of the emergency call centres. To find out more just follow this link: Think before you dial | Thames Valley Police

The Parish Council looking to bring together local people who would be interested in creating a local Neighbourhood plan for Old Marston with a view to influencing future decisions related to planning in Old Marston. The City Council has started to consult on their proposed Oxford Plan 2040 and the County Council are looking at creating the Oxfordshire 2050 plan so there is a great need to have this in place. Download this document for more information. You can find out more about neighbourhood plans here: ONPA – Oxfordshire Neighbourhood Plans Alliance

Oxford City Council is embarking on the development a new Local Plan. The Local Plan 2040 will set out the planning strategy for meeting the needs of the city. It will set out where new homes, businesses and community facilities will be built to make Oxford a better place to live, work and visit. It will also look at how we can protect the things that make Oxford special such as open space, ecological habitat and areas of heritage. It will guide how development happens, helping to support the transition towards a zero carbon city, ensuring high quality design, being conscious of health and wellbeing, and addressing inequalities. This is an early opportunity to engage in the development of the Oxford Local Plan 2040 and your opportunity to help shape Oxford’s future. To find out more just go to their website: Oxford Local Plan 2040 | Oxford Local Plan 2040 | Oxford City Council.