Conditions / Refusal Reasons
The Development Plan identifies appropriate locations for new residential development. Policy H20 of the adopted Local Plan (H16 SOLP 2011) states that planning permission will not usually be granted for the redevelopment of mobile home sites for permanent housing unless the site would be appropriate for such development in accordance with other housing policies. In this case, whilst the site may be on a prominent road junction, it is an isolated group of buildings that are in open countryside which is a location where new residential development would not normally be allowed unless there were exceptional circumstances (H6). In this case, the case that has been put forward in favour of the development is not considered sufficient to justify granting planning permission for development in an unsustainable location. As such, the proposal would be contrary to Policies G1 and H6 of the adopted South Oxfordshire Local Plan and Policies G2 and H6 of the approved South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2011 Second Deposit (Draft).
That if, notwithstanding reason 1 above, the site was considered a sustainable and suitable site for housing, the proposed density of development represents an unsustainable and inefficient use of land, contrary to Policies G5 and H8 of the approved South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2011 Second Deposit (Draft) and advice contained in Planning Policy Guidance Note 3 (Housing).
That notwithstanding reason 1 above, the development fails to make any provision for affordable housing, contrary to Policy H7 of the adopted South Oxfordshire Local Plan and Policy H9 of the approved South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2011 Second Deposit (Draft).
The proposed development is of a sub-urban design, form and layout which would be out of keeping with the rural character of the area and would detract significantly from the character and appearance of this part of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. As such the proposal would be contrary to Policies G1, G8, C1, C2 of the adopted South Oxfordshire Local Plan and Policies G2, G4, G6, C1 and C2 of the Approved South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2011 Second Deposit (Draft).
That part of the site has a lawful use as a scrap yard which is considered to be a use that could not be easily re-accommodated elsewhere and provides a useful source of employment. The loss of such a facility would be contrary to Policy E8 of the adopted South Oxfordshire Local Plan and Policy E6 of the approved South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2011 Second Deposit (Draft).
That the proposal would involve the loss of mobile homes which provide the community with private rented housing, which might not otherwise be available and would be contray to Policy G1 of the adopted South Oxfordshire Local Plan and Policy G2 of the approved South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2011 Second Deposit (Draft).
That the proposal would involve the loss of vehicle parking for Buffalo Fencing which could lead to on street parking to the detriment of the safety and convenience of users of the public highway contrary to Policy G10 of the adopted South Oxfordshire Local Plan and Policy T1 and T2 of the approved South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2011 Second Deposit (Draft).
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