Conditions / Refusal Reasons
The scale of the proposal is such that the resultant building would be tantamount to the creation of a separate dwelling. Towersey is not included in the list of smaller villages in the District where new residential development is considered to be appropriate and any future occupiers of the building living independently of the main house would be heavily reliant on private vehicles in order to access services and facilities, which would constitute an unsustainable development. The development would therefore be contrary to adopted Oxfordshire Structure Plan 2016 Policies G1 and H1, adopted South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2011 Policies G1, G2, G3, H6 and H13 and advice in PPS1, PPS3 and PPG13.
The proposed garage extension, by reason of its size, appearance and inappropriate detailing, would be harmful to the setting of Hope Cottage as a Grade II listed building and would fail to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the Towersey Conservation Area, contrary to adopted South Oxfordshire Local Plan Policies G2, G6, CON5, CON7 and H13 and advice in PPG15.
The proposed garage extension, by reason of inclusion of an external staircase and first floor openings in close proximity to the south-western site boundary, would lead to increased opportunities for overlooking towards Fox Earth, resulting in loss of privacy to the detriment of the residential amenity of the occupiers. It would therefore be contrary to adopted South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2011 Policies G2 and H13 and EX5 of Section 4.6 of the South Oxfordshire Design Guide.
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