NORA, North Oxfordshire Resident Action, is a group of locals who are concerned about the pace, scale and scope of development in their local area.

We consist of a Core Group who take the lead on one or more awareness campaigns about planning applications, and a wider support network of locals far and wide. We raise awareness of planning applications which could otherwise get through the planning process without input from the people who will have to live with the outcomes.

Why do we exist?

1. Planning submissions have a way of sneaking up on residents, catching the vast majority off guard.
2. Planning consultations tend to be open for a matter of weeks only. While the application itself may be months or even years in the making, public consultations typically only last six weeks.
3. Cherwell District Council has very limited resources at its disposal to raise public awareness – the council is in debt.
4. Developers typically have big PR and marketing budgets and will run slick roadshows and social media campaigns to put themselves in a positive light during the planning phase.
5. As one of the most indebted councils in England, it is in Cherwell District Council’s interest to maximise any and all opportunities to increase income through council tax and business rates.
6. Unfortunately, residents often don’t feel called upon to find out about and respond to proposed developments. Many people think there is no point – we want to change that perception.
7. Often residents don’t know that they can respond to consultations, or they don’t know how to participate. We want to change that too.

NORA was founded in January 2025 and is in the process of being incorporated as a Charitable Organisation.