Decisions

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 the meeting.

The planning officer reported that the recommendation in the report to grant planning permission was consistent with the Council’s approach elsewhere with similar applications. Whilst the site lay outside the built-up limits of Lewknor, within an area where there were strict controls over the provision of new housing, the current scheme was no less sustainable than the extant prior approval scheme that it would replace. Officers were satisfied that the alternative redevelopment proposal would be more sympathetic to the defining rural character of the surroundings and there would be general improvements to the appearance of the land and the relationship with the public realm. There were no overriding issues in terms of highway safety, neighbouring amenity, ecology or environmental impacts.

Councillor Caroline Newton, the local ward councillor, spoke objecting to the application.

The Committee considered that the existing barn structure was valued by local residents and the Lewknor Parish Council. Notwithstanding the existing  permitted development rights, they also considered that the design, size and form of the proposed barn would have the effect of ‘suburbanising’ the rural character of the local area.

A motion proposed and seconded, to refuse planning permission because of harm to the character of the area was declared carried upon being put to the vote.

RESOLVED: to refuse planning permission for application P19/S0909/FUL for the following reason:

1. Harm to the character of the area.

Lorraine Hillier and Jo Robb, local ward councillors, stood down from the committee for consideration of this item.

The committee considered application P19/S2061/FUL for the erection of a single storey detached 2-bedroom dwelling, with associated works to facilitate a new access, together with external landscaping (width and height of dwelling reduced and changes to external layout as shown on amended plans received 11th September 2019 and additional fire engine tracking plan received 24th October 2019 and reduction in width of rear patio and pedestrian footpath and details of boundary treatment and levels as shown on amended and additional plans received 5th February 2020 and corrections to existing tree heights, retention of existing close-boarded fence and replacement front hedging as shown on amended plans received 17th June 2020) at Highfield, 17 Stoke Row Road, Peppard Common.

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 the meeting.

The planning officer reported that the report had been updated with an additional planning condition to prevent the use of the flat roof as a balcony or terrace. The planning officer advised the Committee that the proposed development would be acceptable in principle, would safeguard the character and appearance the surrounding area, and would not detract from the living conditions of adjoining residents, would provide adequate amenity for future residents of the proposed dwelling and would not be prejudicial to highway and pedestrian safety. Subject to the conditions suggested in the report, the proposal would be in accordance with Development Plan Policies, Supplementary Planning Guidance and Government Guidance.

Lorraine Hillier, a local ward councillor, spoke objecting to the application.

Jo Robb, a local ward councillor, spoke objecting to the application.

The committee considered that a site visit should be held to assess the impact of the proposed development on the character of and appearance of Stoke Row Road and whether the development would be harmful to important local green space.

RESOLVED; to defer consideration of application P19/S2061/FUL to facilitate a site visit, to allow the committee to ascertain how the proposed development would impact the local area.

Purpose: to administer funds

To approve the project plan to spend the Reopening the High Street Safely Fund (Appendix A).

In exercise of the chief executive’s (head of paid service) specific delegation 4.3 in the constitution of South Oxfordshire District Council and Vale of White Horse District Council published on 18 May 2020 “To take any action considered necessary in an emergency.” (in consultation with group leaders):

1. I authorise Simon Hewings, Interim Head of Finance, and Steven Corrigan, Democratic Services Manager, to sign any document that is necessary to any legal procedure or proceedings on behalf of the council, unless any enactment otherwise authorises or requires, or the council has given requisite authority to some other person;

2. I authorise Simon Hewings, Interim Head of Finance, and Steven Corrigan, Democratic Services Manager, to attest the affixing of the common seal to any document that needs to be sealed.

These authorisations shall remain in place from the date of this decision until 6 May 2021 or until the constitution is amended to include such authorisations, whichever is the earlier.