Conditions / Refusal Reasons
The application site lies outside of the main built up area of Thame where there is a general presumption against new housing development with regard to Policy CSR1 of the South Oxfordshire Core Strategy 2027. Due to the location of the site, the principle of the development is not acceptable with regard to Policies G3, and G4 of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2011, Policies CSR1 and CSTHA1 of the South Oxfordshire Core Strategy 2027 and guidance contained within the National Planning Policy Framework. There are no material considerations of sufficient weight that would override the provisions of the development plan in relation to this proposal.
The application site comprises employment land located outside of the main built up area of Thame. In relation to Criterion (ii) of Policy E6 of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2011, the site has not been marketed for either the existing employment use or any other suitable employment use. As such it has not been demonstrated that an employment use of the land would be economically unviable. Therefore, the proposal is contrary to Policy E6 of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2011. There are no material considerations of sufficient weight that would override the provisions of the development plan in relation to this proposal.
The application site lies outside of the main built up area of Thame where it is surrounded by open land. The proposed housing, due to its siting, scale, and height would increase the visual prominence of the built form on the site, which would detract from the open and rural character and appearance of the site's surroundings. Therefore, the proposal is contrary to Policies G2, G4 and D1 of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2011 and Policies CSEN1 and CSQ3 of the South Oxfordshire Core Strategy 2027 and guidance contained within the National Planning Policy Framework.
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