House extensions and improvements at 145 Howard Street, Oxford

What was proposed

The application proposed demolitions, side and rear extensions, an air source heat pump, solar panels and replacement windows.

“Proposal Demolition of existing lean-to garage, rear kitchen extension and partial demolition of the rear ground floor bathroom. Erection of a part single, part two storey side extension. Erection of a single storey rear extension. Installation of 1no. air source heat pump to side elevation. Installation of solar panels to front elevation. Replacement fenestration to front and rear elevations.”

Officer report

Why approval was advised

Officers considered the design, heritage, neighbour, parking, highways, drainage and ecology effects acceptable, subject to conditions.

“This report considers the following material considerations: • Design and impact upon local heritage assets • Neighbouring amenity • Vehicle parking and highways safety • Bicycle storage • Drainage • Ecology 2.5. The proposed development is acceptable in regards of its design and would not cause any detrimental harm upon the character and appearance of the dwelling itself or the streetscene of Howard Street, nor the setting of the locally listed Donnington Arms.”

“This application is not subject to a legal agreement. COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE LEVY (CIL) 4.1. The proposal is not liable for CIL.”

Officer report

Consultation and representations

No comments were received from the highways authority and no public representations were received.

“CONSULTATION RESPONSES 9.1. Site notices were displayed around the application site on 18th September 2025. Statutory and non-statutory consultees Oxfordshire County Council (Highways) 9.2. No comments received Public representations 9.3. No representations were received. PLANNING MATERIAL CONSIDERATIONS 10.1.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The planning officer presented the location, proposal, photographs, elevations and plans.

Members’ questions

Members asked about the earlier permission, matching materials, heat-pump noise conditions and bicycle parking.

“The Committee asked questions about the details of the application which were responded to by officers. The Committee’s discussions included, but were not limited to: • Questions were raised around the previously approved plans for the site. Officers confirmed that the previously approved permission allowed for larger extensions to the site. • Questions were raised about the materials being used in the proposed work and if these would be matching materials.”

“Officers responded that no noise impact assessment had been submitted, but that the conditions being placed on the air source heat pump’s installation helped to ensure that any air source heat pump installed must comply with the planning condition. Officers added that they could take enforcement action if the air source heat pump did not comply with the noise regulations.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The committee agreed with the officer recommendation and relevant conditions when the proposal was put to a vote.

“On being proposed, seconded, and put to the vote, the Committee agreed with the officer’s recommendations with the relevant conditions, to approve the application for the reasons listed on the report.”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was approved for the proposed development, with conditions and delegated authority to finalise them.

“The Oxford City Planning Committee resolved to: Approve the application for the reasons given in the report and subject to the required planning conditions set out in section 12 of this report and grant planning permission.”

“Oxford City Council, Town Hall, St Aldate’s Oxford OX1 1BX 2. Agree to delegate authority to the Director of Planning and Regulation to: • finalise the recommended conditions as set out in this report including such refinements, amendments, additions and/or deletions as the Director of Planning and Regulation considers reasonably necessary.”

Minutes