Agenda item

Demolition of existing buildings. Erection of two semi-detached cottages with associated hard-standing (Site A).

The committee considered application P16/S4045/FUL to demolish the exting buildings and erect two semi-detached cottages with associated hardstanding on land adjacent to New Farm Bungalow, Track to West Lodge, Pyrton.

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 this meeting.

Michael Crawford, a representative of Pyrton Parish Council, spoke objecting to the application. His concerns included the following:

·         The potential damage of the application to the historic open and rural nature of Pyrton;

·         It is a sensitive site opposite fields and abutting the conservation area;

·         The architect’s images are misleading concerning the impact on the Oxfordshire Way;

·         It is an overdevelopment regarding Pyrton’s average density; and

·         The neighbourhood development plan, for which the consultation phase is complete, recommends one house on this site.

David Parker, the applicant’s agent, spoke in support of the application. His comments included the following:

·         Following pre-application advice, this was considered to be the only suitable proposal;

·         The neighbourhood plan is at a relatively early stage; and

·         There would be no material harm to heritage assets or neighbours’ amenity.

Anna Badcock, the local ward councillor, spoke objecting to the application.  Her comments included the following:

·         A recommendation for the committee to refer to the Design Guide regarding suitability; is this the right design in the right place bearing in mind the unspoilt rural views.

In response to questions raised by the committee, the officers reported that:

·         The neighbourhood plan can be afforded limited weight although it is a material consideration. Members were advised that the South Oxfordshire Core Strategy and Local Plan carry more weight.

The committee considered the application, with advice from officers where appropriate.

A motion, moved and seconded, to approve the application was declared carried on being put to the vote.

RESOLVED: to grant planning permission for application P16/S4045/FUL, subject to the following conditions:

1.    Full planning permission – development to commence within three years of date of permission.

2.    Development to be carried out in accordance with approved plans.

3.    A schedule of all materials to be used in the external construction and finishes of the development hereby permitted shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority (LPA).

4.    Hard and soft landscaping scheme to be submitted to and approved in writing by the LPA.

5.    Phased risk assessment to be carried out to identify what, if any, contaminants are on site and measures to overcome them to be submitted to and approved in writing by the LPA.

6.    First floor, side facing windows to be obscure glazed and shall be fixed shut with the exception of a top hung openable fanlight.

7.    Details of foul drainage to be submitted to and approved in writing by the LPA.

8.    Existing access to be improved and laid out in accordance with local highway authority’s specifications.

9.    The proposed access shall not be brought into use until the existing access onto the lane is effectively closed up in accordance with local highway authority’s specifications.

10.Parking and turning areas, in accordance with the approved plans, should be provided and retained unobstructed except for the parking of vehicles associated with the development at all times.