Mather House, White Road, East Hendred, Wantage, OX12 8JG

1. 1.By reason of the design, layout and flow of the building, the lack of compartmentalisation, adequate facilities and communal space, the proposed development fails to provide accommodation that is safe, secure and delivers an acceptable standard of living. The design and layout of the building fails to consider the physical safety features necessary to serve an HMO of this scale and use by 18 individuals. The concentration of individuals and intensification of use on the site would be at odds with the semi-rural character of the surrounding area. The development would result in a living environment that is not safe or inclusive and which fails to promote health and well-being, and that does not achieve a high standard of amenity for residents or respond appropriately to the surrounding character, in conflict with Policy CP37 of the adopted Local Plan 2031 Part 1 and paragraph 135 of the National Planning Policy Framework.
2. 2.The lack of useable communal space and facilities would result in overspill of communal and social space into outdoor areas on a regular basis, and given the concentration of the high number of individuals living on site, this would result in disturbance to residents and neighbouring occupants, and create a sense of intimidation. The development does not accord with Policies DP23 and DP25 of the adopted Local Plan 2031 Part 2, Policy CP37 of the adopted Local Plan 2031 Part 1 and paragraph 135 of the National Planning Policy Framework.
3. 3.Given the semi-rural character of the area and the lack of public transport links or walking and cycle routes to reach employment, the HMO would be a car-dominant development with residents relying primarily on private transport, and much more so than residents of HMOs typically located in suburban or urban locations. Given the large number of individuals living permanently on-site, and requiring private transport, the scale of overspill of parking onto the public highway, and in close proximity to the main entrance to the village, would result in harm to amenity and the character of the area and pose a risk to highway safety in conflict with Policy CP37 of the adopted Local Plan 2031 Part 1.

From the council's decision notice.

Postcode

OX12 8JG

Application type

Full Application

Scale / size

Small

Date validated

27 January 2026

Consultation expiry

4 March 2026

Consultation start

11 February 2026

Consultation end

4 March 2026

Target decision date

24 March 2026

Application expires

24 March 2026

Agent

WWA

Statutory period

56 days

Appeal status

No appeal lodged.

Documents

95