Land West Of Valentia Close Adj To Station Road Bletchingdon

Application Details

Applicant & Agent

Planning Application Dates

Planning Decision

Why it was refused

1. 1.The application has been made simultaneously with an application on an adjoining parcel and represents an artificial subdivision of land. Notwithstanding whether or not the development is capable of consideration under permission in principle, 'the proposal' is for major residential development. Under the terms of the National Planning Policy Framework and Planning Practice Guidance, the Local Planning Authority considers that there is insufficient assurance that appropriate infrastructure contributions and affordable housing provision would either not be required or could be secured from the development when the application does not comprise major development in isolation. The amount of development proposed is therefore contrary to Policies INF1 and BSC3 of the Cherwell Local Plan 2011-2031 Part 1 and government guidance contained in the National Planning Policy Framework and Planning Practice Guidance.
2. 2.The proposed development is inappropriate development in the Green Belt for which no very special circumstances have been demonstrated. The proposal is incapable of demonstrably complying with ‘the Golden Rules’ outlined in Policy GB8 of the National Planning Policy Framework as per the first reason for refusal. Furthermore, and in any case, the development is considered to fundamentally undermine the purposes of the remaining Green Belt across the Local Plan area by eroding the absolute extent of the Oxford Green Belt through development on its edge that could be directed outside of the Green Belt. The land use and location proposed are therefore contrary to Policy ESD14 of the Cherwell Local Plan 2011-2031 Part 1 and Policies GB6 and GB7 of the National Planning Policy Framework.
3. 3.Notwithstanding its relative proximity to Bletchingdon, the proposed development would be separated from the existing village by an incongruous gap in frontage along Station Road. The proposed redline boundary represents poor planning and would not achieve a development that is well integrated with the existing village to the immediate east. The location of the development is therefore contrary to Policy ESD15 of the Cherwell Local Plan 2011-2031 Part 1, saved Policies C28 and C30 of the Cherwell Local Plan 1996 and government guidance contained in the National Planning Policy Framework. In accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) and Policy DM3 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.

Publicity

Appeal

Additional Information