Conditions / Refusal Reasons
The proposed extension, through its size, position and appearance would result in an overbearing and oppressive impact upon some of the internal and external areas of Belfry Cottage and some of the internal areas of Emery Down, which would cumulatively detract from the residential amenity of these adjoining occupiers. As such, the proposal would be contrary to the Policies G2 and H13 of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2011 and advice contained within Section 6.2.2 of the South Oxfordshire Design Guide 2008.
The proposed extension, through its size, position and appearance would fail to complement the form and character of the original dwelling and instead would overwhelm the remaining Victorian elements. As such the proposed development would be in conflict with Policy CSQ3 of the South Oxfordshire Core Strategy and Policies G2, D1 and H13 and advice contained within Sections 6.2.3 and 6.3.1 of the South Oxfordshire Design Guide 2008.
The proposed extension would affect the loft void at the southern end of the house, which is where a previous scoping survey has found evidence of bats using the single story sections of the building and recommended that further surveys were conducted. Since the proposed extension would result in the loss of a bat roost, a mitigation strategy is required. No activity surveys have been submitted with the current application, which would inform a mitigation strategy. In the absence of this information, the proposal would be contrary to Policy CSB1 of the South Oxfordshire Core Strategy and Policies G2 and C8 of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2011.
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