Os Parcels 7077 To 8220 Adjoining And North Of Palmer Avenue Lower Arncott

1. 1.In the absence of a clear and convincing agricultural need for the access track, due to its length and choice of surface material, the access track would constitute an unjustified visual intrusion into the open countryside, detracting from the rural and verdant character of the landscape and causing significant harm to the visual amenities of the area. The proposal therefore runs contrary to Policies ESD13 and ESD15 of the Cherwell Local Plan 2011-2031 Part 1, saved Policies C8 and C28 of the Cherwell Local Plan 1996 and government guidance contained within the National Planning Policy Framework.
2. 2.The access track would encourage vehicular access into the field to be taken from Palmer Avenue where there is no defined access point at present, leading to the usage of an unauthorised access point in a location where the required vision splays and a safe and suitable access is unlikely to be achieved, causing significant harm to highway safety. The proposal therefore fails to accord with Policies SLE4 and ESD15 of the Cherwell Local Plan 2011-2031 Part 1 and government guidance contained within the National Planning Policy Framework.
3. 3.In the absence of a flood risk assessment, the proposal has failed to demonstrate that the development would remain safe and operational and would not increase the risk of flooding elsewhere. The proposal is therefore contrary to Policy ESD6 of the Cherwell Local Plan 2011- 2031 Part 1 and government guidance contained within the National Planning Policy Framework.
4. 4.The applicant has failed to demonstrate that the development would not result in harm to protected species or their habitat, or lead to a net gain in biodiversity. The proposal therefore fails to accord with Policies ESD10 and ESD11 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.

Application type

Full Development

Scale / size

Medium

Parish

Arncott

Date validated

15 December 2025

Last date for comments

16 January 2026

Target decision date

9 March 2026

Agent address

Matt Chadwick Bagley Croft Hinksey Hill Oxford OX1 5BD

Statutory period

84 days

Documents

16