Conditions / Refusal Reasons
That the proposal would be contrary to policies G1, G2, EN1, EN4 and H1 of the Oxfordshire Structure Plan, policies G1, G3, G5, G8, C1, C2, C6, H6 and H18 of the adopted South Oxfordshire Local Plan, policies G1, G2, G4, G6, D1, C1, C2, C4 and H6 of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2011 Second Deposit Draft 2003 and advice in the Council's South Oxfordshire Design Guide. The site extends to some 0.25 ha and lies in a backland location to the rear of properties in Rotherfield Road and outside the main built up limits of Henley-on-Thames. The site is highly prominent when viewed from Harpsden Valley and Harpsden Woods which lie within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The proposed erection of a substantial new dwelling and garaging on the site would constitute an inappropriate and unacceptable form of development that would consolidate residential development beyond the built up limits of Henley, would be prominent and intrusive in views from the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and which would have a form and layout that would appear totally out of keeping with its surroundings, detracting from the spacious, sylvan character and visual amenities of Rotherfield Road.
That the proposal would be contrary to policies G1 and G8 of the adopted South Oxfordshire Local Plan, policies G2 and G6 of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2011 Second Deposit Draft 2003 and advice in the Council's South Oxfordshire Design Guide. Having regard to the size and massing of the new dwelling and its proximity to the rear boundaries of The Orchard and The Rise, the proposed dwelling would be seriously detrimental to the outlook enjoyed by neighbouring properties by virtue of its overbearing and obtrusive appearance. Furthermore, the additional traffic generated by the proposal that would use the access would result in unacceptable noise and disturbance to the occupiers of The Orchard and number 15 Rotherfield Road.
That the proposal would be contrary to policies G8 and C16 of the adopted South Oxfordshire Local Plan and policy C10 of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2011 Second Deposit Draft 2003. It is considered that the proposed widening of the access drive is likely to threaten the future well being and longevity of trees located within neighbouring properties which contribute to the visual amenities of the area.
That the proposal would be contrary to policy CON7 of both the adopted South Oxfordshire Local Plan and the South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2011 Second Deposit Draft 2003 in that the erection of a substantial new dwelling and garaging would detract from the spacious, sylvan setting of number 9 Rotherfield Road, a grade II Listed Building.
That the proposal would be contrary to policy G8 of the adopted South Oxfordshire Local Plan, policy G6 of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2011 Second Deposit Draft 2003 and advice contained in the South Oxfordshire Design Guide. The proposed dwelling does not have a simple, traditional appearance but is grand and imposing with inappropriate design features including a flat roof. Furthermore, no information has been submitted to indicate how the design of the proposed dwelling has been informed by the site or its location.
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