Conditions / Refusal Reasons
That, given the excessive size and scale of the proposed wet docks and dingy slipway and the associated engineering works in the form of a cesspit, access track across the site and campshedding, the proposal would detract from the character and appearance of this part of the River Thames and its valley. This would undermine the peace tranquility and special character of the river valley which the Council wishes to preserve contrary to policies G2, C3 and R9 of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan and to advice in the South Oxfordshire Landscape Assessment.
That, given the excessive size and scale of the wet docks, dingy slipway and associated engineering works, the proposal is not considered reasonable for personal outdoor recreation and is therefore inappropriate development in the Oxford green belt which is by definition harmful and would detract from the visual amenity of the Green Belt. This is contrary to policy GB4 of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan and advise within PPG2.
With regards to the provision of a cesspit on the site, the application does not provide sufficient information to assess the risks of pollution to surface water and groundwater arising from the proposed development. In particular, the application fails to justify the use of a cesspool over preferred alternative means of foul drainage such as sceptic tank or package treatment plant without such detail the proposal is contrary to policies EP6 and EP7 of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan and does not comply with the hierarchy set out in DETR Circular 03/99/WO and Circular 10/99.
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