One new dwelling at Woodstock Road, Charlbury

What was proposed

The application sought permission for one dwelling with associated landscaping on land beside Wychwood View.

“Application Details: Erection of a single dwelling with associated landscaping (amended plans)”

Officer report

The site

The site was open space within a small four-dwelling development, inside the conservation area, protected landscape and neighbourhood plan area.

“The site relates to an area of open space located in the centre of a small development of 4 dwellings at the edge of the built up area of the town of Charlbury.”

“The site sits within both the Charlbury Conservation Area and the Cotswolds National Landscape (CNL), formerly known as the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). It also falls within the plan area for the adopted Charlbury Neighbourhood Plan.”

Officer report

Earlier planning decisions

Earlier schemes for housing were refused or approved, including a recent approval for 26 dwellings on the adjacent field.

“There was also a scheme for 3 further dwellings to come of the approved 3 dwelling site under ref: 18/02769/FUL which was refused and dismissed at appeal.”

“It is also important to note the recent approval made by this committee under ref: 24/02171/FUL on the adjacent field for the: "Erection of a residential development comprising 26 dwellings (inc. 46% affordable housing), the provision of public open space and landscaping, demolition of existing garages and provision of new vehicular access via Woodstock Road and pedestrian access to Hughes Close and associated works.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the benefits outweighed the limited openness change and the proposal would preserve heritage and landscape interests.

“Therefore, officers conclude that the adverse impacts identified do not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of the scheme. The proposal accords with the relevant policies of the West Oxfordshire Local Plan 2031, the Charlbury Neighbourhood Plan, and the NPPF when taken as a whole. Accordingly, the application is recommended for approval, subject to conditions and completion of a Biodiversity Gain Plan.”

Officer report

Consultation and public views

The Town Council, advisory committee and neighbours raised concerns, while highways, drainage, ecology, trees and environmental health consultees raised no objection subject to measures.

“OCC Highways Oxfordshire County Council, as the Local Highways Authority, hereby notify the District Planning Authority that they do not object to the granting of planning permission, subject to the following condition.”

“WODC Drainage No objection, subject to pre commencement condition…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent addressed the committee, highlighting the lack of technical objections, the sustainable location, the design and the housing contribution.

What members debated

Members discussed stronger drainage, recycling, waste, tree protection, construction traffic and sustainable construction measures.

“He acknowledged that whilst the Town Council had raised objections, those concerns had now been alleviated. It had been demonstrated that the site would have a footpath linked to the town centre, and that the dwelling had been sensitively designed to ensure that it sat comfortably next to the existing houses. In addition, the proposed materials were natural stone walls and stone slate roofs which were locally distinctive materials in Charlbury.”

“The possibility of requesting sustainable construction details was also discussed. The Planning Officer advised that these issues could be addressed within the conditions but that the sustainable construction measures were covered by an informative instead as there was no policy requirement covering this matter. Approval of the application was proposed by Cllr Goodwin and seconded by Cllr Beaney that subject to the inclusion of: (a) Construction traffic management plan.”

Minutes

The decision

The application was approved in line with the officer recommendation, subject to relevant conditions and completion of a biodiversity gain plan.

“RESOLVED: That in line with officer`s recommendations and subject to relevant conditions and the completion of a biodiversity gain plan, the application be approved.”

Minutes