Planning Application Details

That the proposal would be contrary to policies G1, G2, EN1, EN4 and H1 of the Oxfordshire Structure Plan and policies G1, G3, G5, C1, C6, H4, H6 and H18 of the adopted South Oxfordshire Local Plan. The proposed erection of five substantial detached dwellings and garages would constitute a form of backland development that would extend development onto open land, detract from the open nature and rural character of this site which lies on the extreme edge of Chinnor, and detract from the open landscape setting of the village.

That in dismissing an appeal against the decision of this Council to refuse an outline application for the erection of twenty eight dwellings on the whole nursery site, the Inspector stated that: "The main built up area of Chinnor in my opinion is clearly defined by the boundary of the neighbouring residential development. I see the overall character of the appeal site, with comparatively low horticultural buildings sited well away into the site away from the Thame Road and occupying some 16 - 17% of the overall site area, as one of openness and spaciousness ... I agree that the site cannot be described as open countryside, particularly in view of the boundary screening and current use, but in my judgement its character would be changed dramatically if developed for housing." He goes on to say: "Policy H4 relates to development within built up areas, whereas I have found the site to lie outside the built up area of Chinnor. I consider however that there would be conflict with the broad thrust of those development plan policies which seek to direct new housing into towns and villages, and would cite in particular the aims and objectives of Structure Plan policies G1 and H1 and Local Plan policies G1, G3, G5 and C1." It is considered that these conclusions apply equally to the present proposal.