Description
Detached house and garage. (As amended by plan nos. 99 470/05B, 99 470/06A, 99 470/07A & 99 470/08A received 5 April 2000.)
Conditions / Refusal Reasons
That the proposal would be contrary to the general, environmental, green belt and housing policies of the Oxfordshire Structure Plan 2011 (particularly policies G1, G2, G4, EN1, EN4 and H1) and the adopted South Oxfordshire Local Plan (particularly policies G1, G8, GB2, C3 and H5). The site lies within the Oxford Green Belt and an Area of Great Landscape Value. Whilst the site does constitute a gap in a built up frontage within Beckley, the proposal is not considered to be an acceptable form of infill development for the following reasons:-
Firstly, having regard to its size, bulk and detailing, the proposal would appear prominent, intrusive and out of keeping with its surroundings. Secondly, it would result in the loss of important public views of Otmoor. Finally, it is considered to be an unneighbourly form of development that would detract from the standard of residential amenities enjoyed by the occupiers of the adjacent dwelling, Orchard House.
That the proposal would be contrary to policies CON8, CON10 and CON15 of the adopted South Oxfordshire Local Plan. The site lies within the Beckley Conservation Area and is specifically referred to in the Beckley Character Study. It is considered that the proposal, by reason of its inappropriate design and excessive size, would neither preserve nor enhance the character and appearance of the Beckley Conservation Area and would result in the loss of important public views towards Otmoor.
That in allowing an appeal for Conservation Area consent to demolish a garage and high wall along Church Road (reference P98/N0345/CA allowed in April 1999), the Inspector stated, inter alia "the removal of these structures would enable much more open views across the countryside to Otmoor and would result in a considerable visual improvement". It is considered that there has been no change in circumstances to warrant a different conclusion on this issue.
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