Up to 80 homes at Land (E) 438356 (N), 212268 Common Road, North Leigh

What was proposed

The outline application sought up to 80 homes, access, a pedestrian link, public open space, parking, drainage, landscaping and related infrastructure.

“Application Details: Outline planning application for a residential development for up to 80 dwellings (Use Class C3), including vehicular access and pedestrian link from Common Road, public open space, car parking, drainage, landscaping and other associated infrastructure. All matters reserved except for access (AMENDED PLANS AND DESCRIPTION).”

Officer report

The site

The 6.05-hectare agricultural site lay southwest of North Leigh, included part of Grim’s Ditch, and was near Eynsham Hall’s registered park and garden.

“The site comprises 6.05ha of agricultural land to the south west of North Leigh. The site is made up of three field parcels, comprising an entire field (to the north) and the northern parts of two other fields to the south. The site is currently in use for pasture and slopes from east to west.”

“Parts of a Scheduled Monument are situated within the site: the "North Oxfordshire Grim's Ditch west of Common Farm", an Iron Age earthwork that is formed in a linear shape, extends into the site from the west. Beyond the A4095 lies the Eynsham Hall Registered Park and Garden. The site lies with the Wychwood Project Area.”

Officer report

Planning history

The application followed an environmental screening request, while nearby permissions covered five homes at Common Farm and ten homes at 44 Common Road.

“In terms of planning history, the application was preceded by a screening request under ref. 24/02877/SCREEN. The Council determined that an EIA was not required for the development of the site for up to 115 no. dwellings. Whilst the site itself has not been subject to any other planning applications, Members attention is drawn to a consent for five dwellings in place of existing farm buildings at Common Farm permitted under ref. 24/01992/FUL in March 2025.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The neighbourhood plan committee, a local resident, the parish council and the applicant’s representatives addressed the committee for and against the proposal.

What members debated

Members discussed possible site works, orchard protection, occupation timing, developer contributions, sewage capacity and the weight of affordable housing benefits.

“The Chair clarified that Councillors Liam Walker and Jan Lund were not able to vote, due to joining the meeting late, but would be able to take part in the debate. The Chair asked members for any questions of clarification and invited members to debate the application. The following points were raised. • Members asked if work had already begun on the site as they had driven past the site and seen earthworks being carried out. If this was the case what action could be taken.”

“Members also raised concerns about the lack of capacity at the Church Hanborough sewage treatment works. They note the Environment Agency's view that the facility has not been upgraded as required and cannot adequately support additional development.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee voted to refuse the application because of conflict with settlement policies, landscape and heritage harm, and the absence of a completed legal agreement.

“Voting Record: For 5 Against 0 Abstention 2. The Sub-Committee Resolved to: Refused the application as contrary to the following policies. 1. Conflict with OS2 The proposed development, by reason of its scale, form and siting on unallocated greenfield land adjoining the built-up area of North Leigh, would not constitute ‘limited’ development appropriate to a village within the settlement hierarchy of the West Oxfordshire Local Plan 2031.”

“Impact on Landscape and Historic Landscape Character. The proposed development would, by reason of its scale, extent, siting and encroachment into open countryside on the south-western edge of North Leigh, result in unacceptable harm to the landscape and visual characteristics of the area.”

Minutes