Temporary car park at Car Park, Station Road, Didcot

Extending a temporary car park

The application sought to extend permission for a temporary car park on allocated regeneration land for a further two years, to September 2027.

“An update was provided to the committee on an objection from a local resident. Concerns raised in the objection included; the continual renewal of applications for the land to be used as a car park, failure to comply with the adopted and emerging local plan, decrease in usage of the car park following construction of the multi-storey car park, the impact on the long-term development of the site, and a failure to consider other uses for the site.”

“The current application sought to grant permission for the car park for a further two years, up to September 2027. The temporary nature of the development reflected the overall policy direction for regeneration of the site and recognising that the use of the land as a car park long-term was not in line with the goal of creating an attractive entrance to the town.”

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A car park renewed repeatedly

The site had been used as a car park under repeatedly renewed temporary permissions, most recently from 2023, with the current permission due to expire in September 2025.

“The site was on the south side of Station Road opposite Didcot Parkway Railway Station and formed part of the wider site known as Didcot Gateway which was allocated for development in the Local Plan.”

“Planning permission for the use of a car park on the site has been renewed on serval occasions, most recently in 2023 for a period of two years. The current permission would expire on 02 September 2025.”

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Officers recommended approval

Officers noted progress toward the site's permanent redevelopment, including a recently approved office building, and recommended the temporary car park as the most appropriate short-term use.

“Planning permission for the erection of an office on the site had recently been granted showing progression towards achieving the site’s regeneration.”

“The temporary use of the land as a car park remained the most appropriate in the short term while plans were progressed for permanent redevelopment. The proposal was therefore recommended for approval.”

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The council spoke in support

A council officer spoke in support of the application on behalf of the applicant council.

Members found no viable alternative

Members asked about land ownership, what would happen if the permission lapsed, and alternative uses, and accepted the car park was better than leaving the site unused.

“Members queried what would happen if the permission lapsed and were advised that the permitted use of the car park would cease and the landowner would need to decide what action to take in order to secure the site.”

“Members asked whether there were any alternate uses for the site and were reminded that they were there to consider the current application, however alternative uses had been considered and no viable alternatives had been presented.”

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Permission granted on a vote

A motion to grant planning permission was carried when put to the vote.

“A motion, moved and seconded, to grant planning application P25/S0419/FUL, was carried on being put to the vote.”

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Approved for a further two years

The application was approved subject to conditions covering the temporary use of the land and the approved plans.

“RESOLVED: to approve planning application P25/S0419/FUL subject to the following conditions: Temporary use of land 2. Approved Plans…”

Minutes