Rear home extensions at 29 Oxford Road, Woodstock

What was proposed

The application proposed single-storey and two-storey rear extensions to the existing home.

“Erection of single and two storey rear extensions…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The detached house sits in Woodstock’s built-up residential area beside a listed Blenheim Palace boundary wall and near heritage assets.

“This application seeks consent for the erection of a single storey and first floor extension to the rear of 29 Oxford Road, Woodstock. The application site relates to a large, detached, rendered property sited within the built-up residential area of Woodstock.”

“The property sits adjacent to the boundary wall of the Blenheim Palace grounds, which is a World Heritage site and designated Park and Garden. The wall itself is also Grade II listed.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier applications included an approved side extension, a withdrawn garage proposal, approved condition details and a withdrawn first-floor rear extension.

“22/00400/HHD - Proposed single storey side extension, internal and external alterations including amendments to external finishes. (Approved)”

“25/01211/HHD - Proposed first floor rear extension (Withdrawn)”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the design subservient, the tree impact minimal, heritage settings conserved and neighbouring properties protected from harmful effects.

“The proposed development is sited within close proximity to a number of protected trees- one to the front of the property and two to the front of the neighbouring property to the west. The LPA's Tree Officer has been consulted on this matter to assess the potential impact of the development (including the construction phase) on the protected trees and has raised no objections, subject to a condition to ensure no works are carried out within the root protection area of…”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

The tree officer raised no objection subject to root protection, while objections concerned ecology, design, highways, landscape, neighbourliness and planning principle.

“WODC Tree Officer It does not appear that the footprint will have any impact from the information provided. I would only highlight that the Cedar tree in the neighbours (no.31) property is subject to a TPO and a Root protection area should be in place (no dig etc).”

“Effect on local ecology • Design and layout • Highways • Landscape • Neighbourliness • Policy / Principle…”

Officer report

Who spoke

An objector spoke against the application, and the applicant addressed the committee in support.

What members discussed

Members discussed the cedar tree, extensions along the street, enforcement of the balcony condition and whether traffic controls were needed.

“The Chair then invited the Sub-Committee to discuss the application, which raised the following points: • Members raised concerns over the protection of the cedar tree and acknowledged that over the past few years many of the houses along the street had been extended. • Members asked how condition 4 would be enforced. The planner confirmed that enforcement action could be taken if there were reports of a breach of use.”

Minutes

The vote

Councillor Elizabeth Poskitt proposed approval, the Chair seconded it and the vote was unanimous.

“Councillor Elizabeth Poskitt proposed that the Sub-Committee approve the application in line with the officer’s recommendations. This was seconded by the Chair and put to the vote.”

“Voting Record – the vote for the proposal was unanimous.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee approved the application in line with the officers’ recommendations.

“The Sub-Committee Resolved to: Approve the application in line with the officers’ recommendations.”

Minutes

Conditions attached

Conditions controlled commencement, approved plans, materials, balcony use, side windows and work within protected-tree root areas.

“That the development be carried out in accordance with the approved plans listed below.”

“No work, including the excavation of service trenches, or the storage of any materials, or the lighting of bonfires shall be carried out within any root protection area of the protected trees.”

Officer report