Planning Application Details

The site lies within the Oxford Green Belt where there is a general presumption against inappropriate development in order to preserve the special character and landscape setting of Oxford and assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment. The proposed development would not constitute limited infilling and as such would result in inappropriate development in the Green Belt that would be prejudicial to its purpose. The proposal is therefore contrary to Policies G1 and G4 of the adopted Oxfordshire Structure Plan 2016, Policies G2, GB2, GB4 and H5 of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2011 and the advice contained in PPG2 Green Belts.

The Development Plan identifies Warborough as a small village where infill development only will be acceptable. The proposed development does not constitute infilling in the accepted sense of filling a small gap in an otherwise built-up frontage but instead it would result in an extension of the built-up area of a settlement which would be harmful to the rural character of the area and the landscape setting of the village. The proposal is therefore contrary to Policies G4, GB2, C1, C4 and H5 of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2011 and the South Oxfordshire Landscape Assessment.

The proposed development due to the size and shape of the plot combined with the size and position of the building footprint would constitute a cramped form of development where the majority of the site would be covered in buildings and hard surfacing. This would have a detrimental impact on the character and appearance of the area and a significant adverse impact on the visual amenity of the Green Belt. The proposal is therefore contrary to Policies G2, G6, GB4 and D1 of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2011 and advice contained in the South Oxfordshire Design Guide.

The proposed development would result in an increase in the number of vehicles using Henfield View which is a very narrow private road that is inadequate to serve additional development without the provision of a passing place. The application as submitted fails to make such provision and as a result the proposal would have an adverse transport impact and be likely to cause hazard to the users of the road contrary to Policy T8 of the Oxfordshire Structure Plan 2016 and Policy T1 of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2011.