Conditions / Refusal Reasons
The site lies outside the built up limits of Brigtwell cum Sotwell, which is classified as one of the "Smaller" villages in the district: It is not identified for development in the Development Plan. The proposal does not represent infill development as defined by the Core Strategy and it is unsustainable as it has poor pedestrian links to the main body of the village. The application does not accord with the district's strategy for growth and necessary infrastructure. The district does not have a 5 year housing supply but for the reasons set out the proposal is unsustainable and therefore contrary to the NPPF, NPPG and policies CSS1, CSR1, CSM1 and CSI1of the South Oxfordshire Core Strategy
The proposal would amount to an unwarranted encroachment into the countryside filling the important gap between the village of Brightwell cum Sotwell and the hamlet of Mackney detracting from the rural character and landscape setting of Brightwell cum Sotwell. The development is therefore contrary to policies CSEN1 of the adopted South Oxfordshire Core Strategy, saved policies G2, G4, D1 and C4 of the adopted South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2011 and does not represent sustainable development as outlined in the NPPF.
The proposed development would result in the intensification of use of the substandard access track with limited forward visibility and passing opportunities. In addition the junction of Mackney Lane and Brightwell Street has substandard visibility and the development would increase the usage of this junction and vehicles using the single lane which lacks pedestrian footpaths. The development would result in severe harm to the users of the public highway contrary to Policies T1 of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan and paragraph 32 of the NPPF.
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