Conditions / Refusal Reasons
The redevelopment of the site for five dwellings involves the loss of the existing nursery facility. In the absence of any information to suggest that the day nursery is not needed or not viable, the loss of this community facility without the provision of a suitable alternative facility would detract from the well being and amenity of the community contrary to policy CF1 of the adopted South Oxfordshire Local plan
The illustrative layout indicates a form of development out of keeping with the surrounding grain of development which would have an adverse effect on the character of the area and the landscape setting of Benson. As such the proposal is contrary to Policies G2, D1 and H4 of the adopted South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2011 and advice in PPS3.
The application contains insufficient information to assess the full impact of the proposed development on the long term health and vigour of important trees on the site. However, due to the number of units involved and the illustrative layout provided an unsatisfactory relationship with the protected trees is inevitable. The mature willow in the south eastern corner of the site is likely to be too close to the properties at the end of the row of houses and would create an oppressive feature in relation to the private rear garden areas giving rise to pressure from residents for the removal or reduction of this tree. As such, the proposal is contrary to policies C1, C6 and C9 of the adopted South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2011, advice set out in the South Oxfordshire Design Guide and the supporting Trees and Development best practice guidance and the guidance given in BS5837, 2005 Trees in relation to Construction.
The proposal fails to provide adequate facilities and services to meet the needs of the development contrary to Policy, D11 of the adopted South Oxfordshire Local Plan.
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