Conditions / Refusal Reasons
The application site is located in a prominent position at the junction of Lime Grove and Church Road. The application site is currently occupied by a bungalow of modest proportions that respects the spacious and verdant character and appearance of the area. In contrast, the proposed development, due its siting closer to Church Road and the boundaries of the site, and its size, design, bulk and massing would result in a cramped form of development that would not be in keeping with and fail to respect the character and appearance of the surrounding built form. As such the proposal would be contrary to Policies G2, G6, CON7, D1 and H4 of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2011 and guidance contained within the South Oxfordshire Design Guide 2008 and PPS1: Delivering Sustainable Development, PPS3: Housing.
The proposed development, due to its siting, design, size, bulk and massing, would have an overbearing effect on the neighbouring property to the south west, Leverkus House, and would also result in harmful levels of overlooking to both Leverkus House and the neighbouring property to the north west, 2 Lime Grove as a result of first floor balconies. Therefore, the proposal would be detrimental to the amenities of the occupiers of adjoining residential properties and would be contrary to Policies D4 and H4 of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2011 and guidance contained within the South Oxfordshire Design Guide 2008.
The proposed development, due to the relocation of the vehicular access off Lime Grove, would result in damage to protected lime trees. These trees make an important contribution to the character and appearance of the site and avoidable damage to these trees is unacceptable. Furthermore, the siting of the proposed parking area may result in future pressure from the occupiers of the development for the lime trees to be pruned or felled. As such the proposal fails to accord with Policies G2, G6, C9, CON7, D1 and H4 of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2011 and guidance contained within the South Oxfordshire Design Guide 2008 and PPS1: Delivering Sustainable Development, PPS3: Housing.
(Show Map - opens in new window)
