New lake at Satwell House, Satwell

What was proposed

A new lake with associated soft landscaping within the grounds of Satwell House.

“Creation of a new lake with associated soft landscaping.”

“Consultations, representations, policy and guidance, and the site’s planning history, were detailed in the officer’s report, which formed part of the agenda pack for the meeting.”

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The site's planning history

An earlier, different scheme for the site had been refused and dismissed on appeal over urbanising features not included in this proposal.

“The application was for a new lake within the wider estate grounds of Satwell House. The committee were advised that this was a different scheme to the one that was previously refused and subsequently dismissed at appeal. The Planning Inspector had concerns relating to the introduction of a new vehicle access, entrance gates, stone pillars, and…”

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Local objections

Residents and the parish council objected over impacts on the local water network, the Chilterns landscape, traffic and future development.

“Objections raised by local residents and Highmoor Parish Council relate to the impact on the local water network, impacts on the Chiltern’s National Landscape, concerns over the impact of traffic, and concerns that the proposal may lead to future development.”

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What consultees found

The council's landscape, ecology, drainage and highways consultees all raised no objection, subject to a construction traffic management condition.

“The Council’s landscape officer raised no objection and concluded that the proposal would not adversely affect the wider landscape or the special property of the Chiltern’s National Landscape.”

“Oxfordshire County Council Highway’s officers have raised no objection subject to a Construction Traffic Management Plan. This condition would allow the local planning authority to control construction vehicle movements and mitigate impacts on local roads, residents and users of public rights of way.”

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What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval, finding biodiversity benefits and no harm to residential amenity or technical concerns.

“The proposal received no objections from technical consultees and would deliver biodiversity benefits, protects trees, would not harm residential amenity, and was materially different from the previous application. The application complied with relevant policies of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan and National Planning Policy and was recommended for approval.”

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Who spoke

An objector and a supporter both spoke on the application.

What members debated

Members discussed routing construction traffic away from a farm track and via the main entrance, settling on amended condition wording.

“Members asked whether condition nine could be amended to state that construction traffic must not use Stonehouse Farm track. The committee advised that it would not be appropriate as the track could be a viable means.”

“Members asked whether condition nine could instead be altered to state that construction traffic must enter the grounds of Satwell House via the main entrance off the B481. Officers agreed this would be suitable and suggested that the traffic management plan could include a requirement for the applicant to consult with neighbours as part of the process.”

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What was decided

The committee approved the application subject to amended wording requiring construction traffic to use the Satwell House main entrance.

“Revised wording for condition 9: Prior to commencement of the development hereby approved, a Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. All construction related traffic shall access and egress the site solely via the existing Satwell House access onto the B481. The development shall thereafter be carried out in accordance with the approved CTMP.”

“RESOLVED: to approve planning application P25/S3425/FUL subject to the following condition: Commencement 3 years – Full Planning Permission 2. Approved plans 3. Materials as on plan 4. Landscaping (including hardsurfacing and boundary treatment) 5. Landscape Management Plan 6. Drainage implementation 7. Ecology – CEMP 8. Ecology – External Lighting 9. Construction Traffic Management (details required)”

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