Brasenose Cottage Fenway Steeple Aston OX25 4SS

1. 1.The proposed development would be sited outside of the curtilage of the existing dwelling and by virtue of its size, siting and facilities would not be ancillary to the enjoyment of the existing dwelling would but would result in a separate, large new dwelling that would be located outside the built-up limits of Steeple Aston on land forming open countryside and would represent an unjustified extension of the settlement. The site is not considered to be in a sustainable location for residential development, being poorly related to the village centre and lacking safe and convenient pedestrian connectivity, with reliance on private vehicle use leading to unsustainable travel patterns. The proposal is therefore contrary to Policies PSD1, BSC1, Villages 1, ESD1 and SLE4 of the Cherwell Local Plan 2011-2031 Part 1, Policy PD1 of the Mid Cherwell Neighbourhood Plan 2019, saved Policy H18 of the Cherwell Local Plan 1996 and government guidance contained within the National Planning Policy Framework.
2. 2.The proposal would result in the encroachment of residential development into undeveloped open countryside, leading to harm to the rural character and appearance of the area and the loss of greenfield land. The proposal is therefore contrary to Policies ESD13 and ESD15 of the Cherwell Local Plan 2011-2031 Part 1, Policy PD5 of the Mid Cherwell Neighbourhood Plan 2019, saved Policy C28 of the Cherwell Local Plan 1996 and government guidance contained within the National Planning Policy Framework.
3. 3.In the absence of a satisfactory unilateral undertaking or any other form of Section 106 legal agreement the local planning authority is not satisfied that the proposed development provides for appropriate mitigation required as a result of the development and necessary to meet the requirements of Biodiversity Net Gain. The proposal is therefore contrary to Policy ESD10 of the Cherwell Local Plan 2011-2031 Part 1 and government guidance contained within the National Planning Policy Framework. In accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) and paragraph 39 of the National Planning Policy Framework, Cherwell Council has given consideration to whether amendments or additional information would overcome its concerns with the application, but unfortunately it has concluded that it would not be possible to resolve those concerns within the scope and timescales of this application. Cherwell Council has resolved that the application proposals do not amount to sustainable development and consent must accordingly be refused. The case officer’s report and recommendation in respect of this application provides a detailed assessment of the merits of the application when considered against current planning policy and guidance, including consideration of the issues raised by the comments received from consultees and members of the public.

From the council's decision notice.

Postcode

OX25 4SS

Application type

Full Development

Scale / size

Medium

Parish

Steeple Aston

Date validated

12 January 2026

Last date for comments

19 February 2026

Target decision date

1 May 2026

Agent address

1 The Quadrangle East Allington Totnes Devon TQ9 7PY

Statutory period

109 days

Documents

8