4 townhouses at Unit 5 Goodson Industrial Mews, Wellington Street, Thame

“The application was referred to committee because the opinion of Thame Town Council conflicted with that of officers. The application site was within the town centre and included an existing office and workshop building that formed part of a wider site. The surrounding buildings were mainly residential with some commercial buildings adjoining parts of the site.”

“The application was for the conversion and extension of the building into four townhouses. Local plan policy EMP3 seeks to retain existing employment locations however, planning permission and prior approval had previously been granted to convert the building to residential use. While the permission had expired, the office space within the building could be converted to residential accommodation if another prior approval application were to be submitted.”

“The town council had objected to the application as it conflicted with parts of the neighbourhood plan due to the loss of some trees, loss of on-street parking, inadequate provision for secure cycle parking, and substandard garden sizes.”

“Four on-street parking spaces would be lost. While this would conflict with the neighbourhood plan the loss could be justified based on the reduced demand for parking from the conversion of the office building, the demand from the proposed dwellings being met by off-road parking, and the loss would only relate to one small section of on-street parking. The removal of the on-street parking would improve vision for vehicles.”

“The proposal was considered to be sympathetic to the site and surrounding area; it would not harm the amenities of neighbours nor had objections been received from the neighbours. The application was recommended for approval.”

“Members queried the objection by Thame Town Council, specifically the loss of office space. The committee were advised that the office had been vacant since 2019.”

“Members acknowledged that there were a lot of positives with the proposal and stated that the loss of on-street parking spaces was a positive in this case, increasing splay vision.”

“A motion, moved and seconded to grant planning permission P24/S3235/FUL, was carried on being put to the vote.”

“RESOLVED: to approve planning application for P24/S3235/FUL subject to the following conditions: Commencement within three years 2. Development in accordance with approved plans 3. Materials as on plan 4. Prevention of overlooking 5. Formation of vehicular access 6. Pedestrian vision splay protection 7. Plan of Car Parking Provision (10 spaces to OCC dimension standards) 8. Details of cycle parking required 9.”