4.1 Securing adequate investment in infrastructure

The continued development and quality assurance of infrastructure such as roads and schools is essential to the continued success of Oxfordshire’s economy.

The South East Plan makes a strong case to promote investment in the South East region's infrastructure stating that the scale and pace of development will be dependent on there being sufficient capacity in existing infrastructure to meet the area’s current needs and the provision of new infrastructure to meet the needs of new development.

Developing this infrastructure will require substantial investment and co-operation from central government, local government and the private sector. Local Development Documents will need to identify the necessary additional infrastructure and services required to serve the area.

Limited budgets for improved infrastructure will necessitate the collection of sufficient information to contribute to the inevitable process of identifying key priorities. This information will also encourage the alignment of plans and improved co-operation between partners. Economic development will only be achieved if appropriate integrated and cohesive transport and communication infrastructures are in place. The areas of most concern are land use, transport, housing, the environment, and the rural, market town and urban economies.