Conditions / Refusal Reasons
That the erection of a dwellinghouse on this site would be contrary to the provisions of the adopted South Oxfordshire Local Plan which seeks to protect the District's settlements from adverse development (Policy G1). Development of up to 9 dwellings within the built-up areas of Goring will be permitted provided that an important open space is not lost, the design, height and scale of the development are in keeping with its surroundings, the character of the area is not adversely affected and there are no overriding amenity, environmental or highway objections (Policy H4). Development within conservation areas must preserve or enhance the character of that area (Policy Con 8) and the design and scale must be in sympathy with the established character of the area and should retain features which contribute to the character of the area (Policy Con 10). In this case the erection of a dwelling would result in the loss of the last open gap in the street frontage which contributes to the character of the Goring-on-Thames Conservation Area. Having regard to its size, details of design and location in relation to the existing development on the eastern, western and south western boundaries the proposed dwelling would constitute a cramped and incongruous form of development detrimental to the character and appearance of the area in general and the Conservation Area in particular. Furthermore it is considered that if permitted the existing boundary hedging on the site would be prejudiced and the consequent oppressive, overbearing and overlooking effects of the proposed dwelling would be detrimental to the residential amenities of the occupants of the adjacent properties.
That the development would result in the loss of an area currently used for car parking by occupants of Woden Cottages located to the rear of the site and would be likely to result in additional on-street car parking to the detriment of the character and appearance of the Goring-on-Thames Conservation Area and of the safety and convenience of users of the public highway contrary to Policies G1, Con 8 and G11 of the adopted South Oxfordshire Local Plan.