Industrial roof cladding and solar panels at Units 17 To 24 Thorpe Place, Banbury

“The application site comprises two buildings divided into eight light industrial units (Units 17–24, Thorpe Place) located to the east of Banbury within the established Overthorpe Industrial Estate. One building (comprising units 17 - 20) is situated within the northern part of the site, and the remaining building (comprising units 21 - 24) is located to the south. Between the two buildings is an area of hardstanding which provides servicing space and car parking.”

“The application seeks planning permission for the over‑cladding of the existing roof sheeting on all eight industrial units (Units 17–24), including the installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels across the roofs of each unit. The existing roofs currently comprise corrugated fibre reinforced cement sheets. These are proposed to be over‑clad with new 32mm profiled metal sheets, finished in a ‘dove grey’ colour on 260mm insulation fixed onto the existing roof covering.”

“There is no planning history directly relevant to the proposal. PRE-APPLICATION DISCUSSIONS”

“No pre-application discussions have taken place with regard to this proposal. RESPONSE TO PUBLICITY”

“Principle of Development 9.2. The application site is located within an established industrial estate and comprises existing employment units. The proposal relates solely to alterations to existing buildings and does not involve any change of use or intensification of activity. The principle of improving and maintaining existing employment premises is therefore considered acceptable and accords with Policies ESD15 of the CLP 2015 and saved Policy C28 of the CLP 1996.”

“PLANNING BALANCE AND CONCLUSION 10.1. The proposed development would not result in any unacceptable harm to the character and appearance of the area or the amenities of neighbouring occupiers. Furthermore, the proposal would deliver sustainability benefits through the incorporation of renewable energy infrastructure. The development is therefore considered to accord with the relevant policies of the Development Plan.”

“This application has been publicised by way of a site notice displayed near the site, and by letters sent to all properties immediately adjoining the application site that the Council has been able to identify from its records (amend as appropriate). The final date for comments was 1 May 2026, although comments received after this date and before finalising this report have also been taken into account. RESPONSE TO CONSULTATION”

“Below is a summary of the consultation responses received at the time of writing this report. Responses are available to view in full on the Council’s website, via the online Planning Register. PARISH COUNCIL: No comments received. BANBURY TOWN COUNCIL: Support. Proposal is a good use of commercial roof area for electricity generation. CDC BUILDING CONTROL: No objections.”

“That, in line with the officer’s recommendation, authority be delegated to the Assistant Director for Planning to grant permission for application 26/00586/CDC subject to the conditions set out below (and any amendments to those conditions as deemed necessary).”

“Drawing No. 25-111/01 Rev B – Site Location Plan & Proposed Plans and Elevations (Building 1 – South) (Wellan Ltd, dated 5 February 2026) • Drawing No. 25-111/02 Rev B – Site Block Plan & Proposed Plans and Elevations (Building 2 – North) (Wellan Ltd, dated 6 February 2026) • Euroclad 32/1000 Profile Sheet – External Roof Cladding Specification (Refresh Euroclad, dated May 2017) • Solar Panels Data Sheet (JA Solar) provided by agent in email dated…”

“The external materials to be used in the development shall be as specified in the approved application details, including the profiled metal roof sheeting finished in ‘dove grey.”