Land West Of Bicester Road Aynho

1. 1.The development of two houses within the woodland is not acceptable. The site is located within the open countryside and the proposal does not meet any of the exceptions set out in policies LH1 to LH11 of the LPP2. The introduction of 2 residential units within the woodland, even with all relevant permitted development rights removed, would intrinsically alter the character of the land through the introduction of domestic paraphernalia not covered by permitted development restrictions, which could significantly detract from its current character and contribution it makes to overall significance of the Grade II parkland (Aynhoe Park). This impact is considered to give rise to a moderate degree of harm to the significance of the registered parkland (Aynhoe Park) with no redeeming public benefit and no justification set out by the applicant as to why this harm would be acceptable. The proposed enabling development of repairing the section of the eastern boundary wall does not outweigh the harm caused by the development and therefore fails to preserve or enhance the character, appearance and setting of the registered parkland The proposal is therefore contrary to Policies SS1 and HE3 of the South Northamptonshire Local Plan (Part 2), Policies S1 and BN5 of the West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy (Part 1) and Policies HE1, HE4 1(b) 4, HE5 and HE6 3 and 4 of the National Planning Policy Framework.
2. 2.The site falls within a Special Landscape Area identified in the Local Plan and the development of two dwellings within the finger of woodland resulting in the loss of trees and would adversely affect the intrinsic rural woodland nature of the area by introducing two large dwellings which would be visible from the road. This would significantly change the character of the woodland by introducing domestic structures which would be alien to this area. This, combined with the three permitted dwellings (one of which remains unbuilt) further north in Aynho corner would have a cumulative harmful and detrimental impact on the character and appearance of this area and the wider Special Landscape Area. The proposal is therefore contrary to Policies SS2, NE2 1 & 2 of the South Northamptonshire Local Plan (Part 2) Policy BN5 of the West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy (Part 1) and Policies N2 (d) and N4, 1 of the National Planning Policy Framework.
3. 3.The proposed development would result in the loss, fragmentation and deterioration of a Lowland Deciduous Woodland priority habitat causing significant harm to the ecological value of the site and its function as habitat and commuting/foraging corridors for protected and notable species. The proposal has failed to demonstrate that adequate mitigation or compensation can be secured for the loss of priority habitat and would result in an unacceptable adverse impact on biodiversity. Furthermore, insufficient ecological information has been submitted to enable a full assessment of the effects of the development on protected species, including bats, breeding birds and dormice. In the absence of the necessary surveys and supporting ecological evidence, the Local Planning Authority cannot be satisfied that the proposal would avoid unacceptable harm to protected species or discharge its duties under Regulation 9 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended). The proposal is therefore contrary to Policy N2(1)(d), N2(1)(f) and N2(2) of the National Planning Policy Framework and Policies NE4, NE5 and NE6 of the South Northamptonshire Local Plan Part 2. Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 and Policy DM3 of the National Planning Policy Framework In accordance with the above, WEST NORTHAMPTONSHIRE COUNCIL has worked with the applicant in a

From the council's decision notice.

Application type

Outline Planning Application

Scale / size

Small

Parish

Aynho

Date validated

16 February 2026

Last date for comments

4 April 2026

Target decision date

13 April 2026

Agent address

Mr Will Whitelock Oriel House 42 North Bar Banbury OX16 0TH

Statutory period

56 days

Documents

18