Improved agricultural access track at Moreton Road, near, Aston Tirrold

What was proposed

The retrospective proposal covers two field gates, fencing, a splayed hardstanding and a 33-metre surfaced track into the field.

“PROPOSAL 2.1 The application proposes a pair of 3.2m wide metal field gates with post and wire fencing on both sides set back 7.2m from the edge of the highway, a splayed hardstanding in front of the gates and a hard surfaced track extending approximately 33m into the field. The hardstanding and track include the laying of additional hardcore and topping with road planings.”

Officer report

The site

The access and track serve a 2.7-hectare field beside Moreton Road within the North Wessex Downs National Landscape.

“The application seeks planning permission for "Amendments to an existing access and laying of hardstanding to improve an existing track" at Aston Farm, Moreton Road, Aston Tirrold, OX11 9AW. The application is retrospective with the works having started on 12 March 2026 and having been completed on 14 March 2026.”

“The site is located on the west side of Moreton Road, approximately midway between South Moreton and Aston Upthorpe. The access and track serve a field of approximately 2.7 hectares, which is surrounded by a larger field in agricultural use. To the north of the site, an electricity transmission line crosses the larger field on a north-west to south-east axis.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier applications for a dwelling and agricultural storage buildings were refused, while a later agricultural building application remained undetermined.

“P80/W0179 - Planning permission was refused on 4 June 1980 for "Erection of agricultural storage building".”

“P26/S4059/FUL - An application for planning permission for “Erection of an agricultural building, extension to agricultural track and laying of associated hardstanding” was received on 10 September 2026. The application is currently the subject of consultation and publicity and has yet to be determined.”

Officer report

Consultees and residents

The parish council objected, while highways and contaminated-land consultees raised no objection and ecology supported approval with planting; five public responses objected.

“Consultees Aston Tirrold Parish Council - Objection for the following reasons: 1. No agricultural justification for the track to be improved; 2. No technical justification in highways terms for the new entrance; 3. Planning permission may be required for moveable structures on the land; 4. Retention of any existing buildings or structures must be subject to an application for a Lawful Development Certificate; 5.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A parish council representative, a supporter of the application and the ward member spoke to the committee.

What members debated

Members discussed controlling the land’s future use, possible harm to the national landscape, the longstanding track, improved gate safety and the limits of this application.

“Members debated the application querying whether it would be possible to include a condition specifying what the field and hardstanding could be used for. Committee were advised that this was not necessary as it was already designated as agricultural land.”

“5 Members acknowledged that there had been a track on the land in the same position for some time and that, by moving the position of the gate, the applicant had improved highway safety.”

Minutes

The vote

A motion to approve the application was carried after the committee extended its meeting to finish considering the item.

“Committee voted to extend the meeting in order to complete consideration of this item.”

“A motion, proposed by Councillor Arlett, and seconded by Councillor Macdonald, to approve the application was carried on being put to the vote.”

Minutes

The decision

Planning application P26/S1798/FUL was approved subject to the conditions set out in the report.

“RESOLVED: to approve planning application P26/S1798/FUL subject to the conditions set out in the report.”

Minutes