Roof safety railings at Town Centre House, Southam Road, Banbury

“The application relates to a large, detached building extending to three storeys in height, accommodating residential flats. It is constructed of brick with uPVC fenestrations and a flat roof. The building occupies a prominent position at a main junction within the centre of Banbury and fronts onto both Southam Road and Warwick Road. CONSTRAINTS 2.1.”

“00/00583/F. Alterations to the building including new externally mounted rainwater pipes, renew existing zinc cladding to the mansards and rooftop plant housing with zinc or lead equivalent, installation of downlighter type lighting. Permitted 06/02096/F. Change of Use and extension of existing office building into hotel use (as amended by revised plans received 9 January 2007). Permitted 06/02097/F.”

“Permitted 17/00745/F. Provision of safety railing to south elevation. Permitted 5. PRE-APPLICATION DISCUSSIONS”

“Overall, in light of the above, and on balance, while the guard rail is not entirely sympathetic in terms of its design and appearance, it does not adversely affect the character and appearance of the area and is therefore considered acceptable in this regard. Impact on heritage assets 9.6. The site is located outside but in close proximity to an adjacent Conservation Area and nearby Listed Buildings.”

“However, it is not considered that it substantially alters the way in which the asset is experienced or appreciated, and therefore no harm is identified. Notwithstanding this, even if this impact were to be considered to amount to harm, it would be at the very low end of the less than substantial harm.”

“This application has been publicised by way of a site notice displayed near the site, by advertisement in the local newspaper, and by letters sent to all properties immediately adjoining the application site that the Council has been able to identify from its records. The final date for comments was 01 June 2026, although comments received after this date and before finalising this report have also been taken into account. 6.2.”

“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. BANBURY TOWN COUNCIL: Comment that the fencing perimeter should be set further back to reduce visual impact. CDC BULDING CONTROL: No adverse comments. RELEVANT PLANNING POLICY AND GUIDANCE”

“That, in line with the officer’s recommendation, authority be delegated to the Assistant Director for Planning to grant permission for application 26/00508/CDC subject to the conditions set out below (and any amendments to those conditions as deemed necessary)”

“Except where otherwise stipulated by conditions attached to this permission, the development shall be carried out strictly in accordance with the application form, Site Location Plan (NTBS3853-GLE-TCH-XX- DR-B-01 Rev 0) and following approved plans and documents: Block Plan (NTBS3853-GLE-TCH-XX-DR-B-02 Rev A), Proposed Roof Plan (NTBS3853-GLE-TCH-XX-DR-B-04 Rev 0) and Proposed Elevations (NTBS3853-GLE-TCH-XX-DR-B-06 Rev A).”

“Reason – For the avoidance of doubt, to ensure that the development is carried out only as approved by the Local Planning Authority and comply with Government guidance contained within the National Planning Policy Framework.”