Replacement dwelling at Larch Cottage Hill Bottom, Whitchurch Hill

Summary of planning committee decision

Decided by South Oxfordshire Planning Committee on 3 Dec 2025.

P25/S1703/FULApproved

No officer report was published for this decision; this summary is from the committee minutes.

Replacing a bungalow with a house

The application sought full permission to demolish an existing bungalow and outbuilding and build a two-storey replacement dwelling with an integral garage.

“Construction of a detached dwelling and associated garage following the demolition of the existing dwelling and outbuilding.”

“The proposal sought full planning permission for the demolition of an existing bungalow and outbuilding, and the erection of a two-storey detached replacement dwelling with an integral garage. Officers advised that the principle of a replacement dwelling in this location was supported by Local Plan Policy.”

Minutes

Why it came to committee

The application was referred to committee only because the applicant was related to a committee member.

“It was explained that the application had been referred to the Planning Committee because the applicant was related to a committee member.”

Minutes

Officers recommended approval

Officers found the design would not harm the character of the area or the Chilterns National Landscape, would not harm neighbours' light, outlook or privacy, and recommended approval.

“In officers’ opinion, the scale and design of the proposed development would not result in material harm to the character and appearance of the area, and would conserve and enhance the Chilterns National Landscape, Officers considered that the relationship between the proposed dwelling and neighbouring properties would be acceptable in respect of light, outlook and privacy, in accordance with Local Plan Policy.”

“Officers concluded that the development complied with relevant development plan policies and recommended that planning permission be granted.”

Minutes

Members noted the referral reason

Members noted the application had only been referred because of the applicant's relationship to a committee member, who was not present.

“Members noted that the application had been referred to the committee solely because the applicant was related to a committee member, who was not in attendance at the meeting.”

Minutes

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 permission for application P25/S1703/FUL, was carried on being put to the vote.”

Minutes

Approved with multiple conditions

The application was approved subject to conditions covering materials, drainage, landscaping, biodiversity, lighting and an electric vehicle charging point.

“RESOLVED: To grant planning permission for application P25/S1703/FUL, subject to the following conditions: Commencement 3 years – Full Planning Permission 2. Approved plans 3. No change in levels 4. Materials as on plan 5. Obscure glazing * 6. Withdrawal of P.D. (extensions/outbuildings/hardsurfacing) * 7. Energy Statement Verification (prior to occupation) 8. Details of Microgeneration System (prior to installation) 9. Turning Area & Car Parking (prior to slab) 10.”

Minutes

Sources

  • South Oxfordshire Planning Committee minutes, 3 December 2025
  • Agenda and papers (council website)

Source: Plota analysis of South Oxfordshire's committee minutes. Quotations are the council's own words; headings and summaries are Plota's.

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At the meeting

Date
Wednesday 3 December 2025
Recommendation
Officers recommended approval
Committee decided
Approved
Minutes
The council's minutes
Meeting
Agenda and papers (council website)
Application
The application (council website)

This committee's year

31 decisions in the 12 months to this meeting, 1 against officer advice.

Source: Plota analysis of the committee's minutes.

Every decision by this council's committees →