Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Oxford-Cambridge Arc — [Sir Edward Leigh in the Chair]

13 July 2021 · 7 other contributors · 11,384 words

Opened by Steven Baker Con Wycombe

Responding minister: Christopher Pincher

HousingLocal GovernmentEnvironment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Steven Baker raised concerns about oxford-cambridge arc — [sir edward leigh in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Lead MP is concerned about lack of local input and democratic accountability in Oxford-Cambridge Arc development.
  • Buckinghamshire Council withdrew from the arc due to concerns over housing targets, governance, and infrastructure projects without local consent.
  • Minister discussed collaborative planning, economic growth, and policies for housing affordability and biodiversity net gain.

Key requests to Government

The lead MP urges the Government to work with Buckinghamshire Council on its ambitious recovery and growth proposal, which prioritizes local control over planning decisions. He asks for support for a bottom-up approach that respects local democracy rather than following top-down targets imposed within the arc framework.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Steven Baker Con Wycombe

The lead MP is concerned about the lack of local input and democratic accountability in the development of the Oxford-Cambridge Arc. He notes that Buckinghamshire Council has withdrawn from the arc due to significant concerns over housing targets, governance issues, and the potential for top-down imposition of infrastructure projects without local consent. The council fears that 1 million new houses proposed by the Government could undermine local decision-making and cause major protests in areas of outstanding natural beauty.

Other contributors (7)
  • Andrew Lewer Con Northampton South

    Northampton is a key part of the Oxford-Cambridge arc, with potential to boost growth and address levelling-up. The area has rich industrial heritage and opportunities for life sciences and high-performance technology businesses. However, navigating overlapping decision-making bodies can be complex.

  • Greg Smith Con Buckingham

    The MP notes that his constituency has taken a significant share of housing developments. He calls for fair distribution of housing targets and emphasizes the need for ongoing infrastructure projects to support economic growth in the region.

  • John Howell Con Wycombe

    Does my hon. Friend accept that the Liberal Democrats are deeply involved in the arc process, having people on standing committees and controlling this process without offering anything unique. He criticised the handling of the Oxford to Cambridge expressway, highlighting a lack of consultation and differing attitudes towards the project from different areas. He stressed that unless a different approach is taken with the arc, similar issues will arise. John questioned the composition of the body responsible for pushing through the arc, noting its complexity and potential lack of control. He saw potential in aligning universities and research centres but warned of difficulties due to a lack of common identity along the arc. He also asked about the breakdown of the 1 million housing plan and expressed concern over the risk of attracting Londoners rather than promoting local growth.

  • Joy Morrissey Con Beaconsfield

    The MP supports her colleague's concerns about democratic accountability and the potential impact of new housing on green spaces in Buckinghamshire. She calls for more protection of existing green areas, which she argues are critical to air quality and biodiversity. Thanks Andrew Lewer for highlighting the Oxford-Cambridge arc's potential. Beaconsfield historically linked London and Oxford but is not defined by such qualities or natural links like other regions.

  • Richard Fuller Con North Bedfordshire

    My hon. Friend points out that other regions have regional identities with a democratic representation through a regional Mayor, which is not the case in the Oxford-Cambridge arc. Mr. Fuller criticised the Oxford-Cambridge arc plan as a top-down approach that undermines local democratic accountability and housing discretion. He questioned whether it was a plan for housing or economic development, pointing out that if it aimed to meet London's housing needs, it would displace growth to other areas. Mr. Fuller also challenged the Government's focus on connecting universities to drive economic growth, asking for international examples where this has worked.

  • Rob Butler Con Aylesbury

    The MP highlights concerns about top-down planning decisions and the need for local decision-making in infrastructure projects. He supports Buckinghamshire's withdrawal from the arc and its alternative recovery proposal, emphasizing the importance of local consent and democratic processes.

  • Tan Dhesi Lab Slough

    I have concerns about the outmoded plans for the Oxford-Cambridge arc, which were based on pre-pandemic assumptions. I question whether the Government has re-evaluated these plans in light of changes to commuting and working patterns. The contribution highlights issues such as affordable housing, environmental impact, and the need for proper local consultation. Additionally, it calls for a rail link that is fully electrified to support sustainable transport.

Government Response

Christopher Pincher

Discussed the importance of collaborative local planning, economic development, and infrastructure support for the Oxford-Cambridge Arc. Highlighted plans to double economic output to over £200 billion by 2050 with additional jobs. Addressed concerns about housing affordability through policies like First Homes and the affordable homes programme providing £12.3 billion investment. Emphasised biodiversity net gain of 10% in the Environment Bill. Called for public consultation on spatial framework and engagement of diverse communities.

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