Planning Application Details

That the proposal would be contrary to policies G1, G5, EN1, EN4 and H1 of the Oxfordshire Structure Plan and policies G1, G5 and H6 of the adopted South Oxfordshire Local Plan. The site lies outside the built up limits of Towersey in a rural location and the erection of a new dwelling would consolidate the existing scatter of development to the detriment of the rural character of the area. Furthermore there is no agricultural justification or exceptional circumstances that require the applicant to live on the site in order to run his business.

That in dismissing an appeal in August 2000 against the refusal of this Council to grant planning permission for the erection of a new dwelling on the site, the Inspector stated:- "I therefore conclude that the introduction of a new dwelling in this location would have an adverse impact on the character and appearance of the surrounding area, and would conflict with the objectives of the development plan policies already highlighted above. It would also run counter to national planning guidance in PPG7 which makes it clear that the guiding principle in the countryside is that development should both benefit economic activity and maintain or enhance the environment. In this case no agricultural or similar justification has been put forward, and although the appellant has cited security concerns in support of the proposal, this matter is not sufficient to justify a new dwelling, particularly one associated with a business that does not have to be undertaken from a rural location." It is considered that these conclusions are equally applicable to the current proposal.