Residential garden extension at 87 Moorland Road, Witney

What was proposed

The application sought residential use of a strip of land beside the dwelling, with a fence and planting along the garden boundary.

“Application Details: Change of use of land to extend residential curtilage and erection of a fence…”

“The application is accompanied by a statement summarising changes to the application. This states that the application is for the change of use of land to residential for use as part of 87 Moorland Road in Witney. The area of land is 3m (Width) x 27.61 (Length) and extends the full length of the curtilage of the existing dwelling The Land is to be used as part of the existing rear garden along which a 6ft fence will extend the length of the dwelling and rear garden.”

Officer report

Planning history

There was no relevant planning history, and the application came before members because the parish council’s view differed from the officer’s view.

“There is no relevant planning history for the site. The application is before members because the Town Council's view is clearly contrary to the Planning Officer's.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal would have acceptable effects on appearance, flooding and ecology, subject to conditions.

“In terms of the principle of the development and impact on the character, appearance and visual amenity of the area, the land is currently public amenity space which lies between a footpath and existing dwelling. The area of land proposed for residential use is relatively small, covering circa 3m in width and 27.61m in length.”

“In conclusion, the proposed development is considered to comply with key policies OS2, OS3, OS4, H6, EH2, EH3, EH4 and EH7 of the adopted West Oxfordshire Local Plan 2031 and so the application is recommended for approval, subject to conditions.”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

The parish council objected to losing prominent open space, while drainage raised no objection and the ecologist had no objection subject to an informative.

“Contrary to policy OS2 of the WOLP as it would involve the loss of a prominent and highly visible pocket of open space that makes an important contribution to the visual character and appearance of the area. The grass aids drainage and helps mitigate against surface water flooding. It contributes to the visible, recreational and biodiverse landscape across the town.”

“District Ecologist Reconsultation response dated 15th August 2025:- no objection, subject to informative.”

Officer report

The presentation

The senior planner described the revised plans, screening, open fencing, retained public amenity, biodiversity gain, flood position and tree protection measures.

Committee discussion

Members discussed possible future development beyond the building line and whether ownership was relevant to the planning decision.

“The Chair invited the Sub-Committee to discuss the application which raised the following points:”

“The potential for future development of the site that extended beyond the existing building line in the area was discussed. The Senior Planner noted that were a future application for building to be submitted it would be considered on its own merit. • The ownership of the site was addressed. It was suggested that ownership was not a material planning consideration.”

Minutes

The vote

A motion to approve the application in line with the officer recommendation received eight votes for, none against and two abstentions.

“Councillor Liam Walker proposed the Sub-Committee approve the application in line with the officer recommendations. This was seconded by Councillor Michele Mead and put to the vote.”

“Voting Record – 8 for, 0 against, 2 abstentions.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee approved the application in line with the officer recommendation.

“Approve the application in line with officer recommendations.”

Minutes