Electoral Review for Oxfordshire County Council   The Local Government Boundary Commission for Oxfordshire has published its final report today.  As I predicted, there are no changes relating to the proposals for Bloxham Division which I presently represent. Here is a link to the Report. More information on my Local Blog.

Planning Applications by NL Matthews. The two applications made by NL Matthews (incorporating Banbury Plant Hire) based at Ferris Hill Farm, Sibford Road, Hook Norton (Planning References: MW.0131/11 and MW.0132/11) have been withdrawn.

Bodicote Footpath No 8 and Bloxham Footpath No 2 Proposed Diversion:  The Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State to determine this application has found in favour of the applicants and the footpath diversion will now be permitted. Comment on my November Local Blog; earlier Blog in September.

Time to move on  I announced yesterday my decision to stand down as Leader of the Council at the Annual Meeting of the County Council on 15 May 2012.  My reason for making the position clear now is to give my Conservative colleagues plenty of time to consider the issue of succession as Leader of the Conservative Group and, therefore, as Leader of the Council.

The precise timing was determined by the fact that I completed 10 years as Leader of the Council on 5 November 2011 and this seemed as good a day as any to announce my intention.  For me, this is not retirement.  I hope to continue a working life, possibly in a political or public service role but without ruling out something in the private or voluntary sector.  I will see what is our there once I step down from the very demanding job of Leader of the Council. 

I was elected to serve as a county councillor until the next elections in 2013 and will serve as a backbencher until then.

Here is a link to the letter I have sent to all of my County Conservative colleagues.  I am also e-mailing the many stakeholders with whom I have a regular working relationship and here is a link to what I have said to them.   See my Political Blog for some personal reminiscences. 

02/10/11

Milton Road South Planning Application: Berkeley Homes have submitted an outline planning application for 65 houses on land to the south of Milton Road, adjacent to St Mary's Road. Here is a link to the Cherwell Planning Portal where you can view the application.  This is the planning reference:   11/01409/OUT.  I comment on this application in my Local Blog.

Local Government Boundary Commission:  The Commission has published its Draft Recommendations for County Council Division boundaries to take effect from May 2013 and to reduce the number of county councillors down from 74 to 63.  Further details are on my Local Blog.

Bishop Loveday (C of E) Primary School  There is very well deserved news for Bishop Loveday Primary School and their recent Ofsted inspection.  They have moved from Satisfactory to Good for Overall Effectiveness and Capacity for Sustained Improvement. Judgements across the rest of the board were graded as Good but with Outstanding for the extent to which pupils contribute to the school and wider community and for Care, Guidance & Support.  Congratulations to the headmistress, staff, governors, children and parents for this improvement.

Bloxham Parish Plan Questionnaire - Feedback & Action Plan Bloxham Parish Council received the Parish Plan tonight.  It can be accessed after 27 August from this page or from the Local Blog - August 2010 page.

Christopher Rawlins (C of E) Primary School has been given a Good grade in its recent Ofsted inspection.  Here is a link to the full Ofsted Report which makes good reading.

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