Conditions / Refusal Reasons
The proposed development, due to its height, scale, siting, design and massing, would result in a cramped relationship with the adjacent built form and would result in an overdevelopment of the site that would fail to respect the character and appearance of the surrounding area. As such the proposal would fail to accord with Policy CSQ3 of the South Oxfordshire Core Strategy, Policies G2, D1, and H4 of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan, Policies H5, and ESDQ16 of the Thame Neighbourhood Plan and guidance contained within the South Oxfordshire Design Guide and National Planning Policy Framework.
The proposed development, due to its height, siting, bulk and massing, particularly in relation to its forward position and proximity in relation to the neighbouring property to the east, Ridgeway, would have an oppressive and overbearing impact on the neighbouring property to the detriment of its occupiers. As such the proposal would fail to accord with Policies G2, D4 and H4 of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan and Policy ESDQ16 of the Thame Neighbourhood Plan and guidance contained within the South Oxfordshire Design Guide.
The access lane to the site is a single car width with limited passing places, and furthermore forward visibility is substandard. The access lane junction with Cotmore Gardens is within close proximity to the junction of the B4445 Chinnor Road with Cotmore Gardens. The proposal will result in the intensification of a substandard access and junction to the detriment of highway safety. In addition the proposed parking and turning space fails to meet Oxfordshire County Council standards. As such the proposal fails to accord with Policies CSM1 of the South Oxfordshire Core Strategy, Policies D2, H4, T1 and T2 of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan, Policy GA6 of the Thame Neighbourhood Plan and guidance contained with the South Oxfordshire Design Guide and National Planning Policy Framework.
The proposed development, due to the small size of the proposed private gardens in relation to the dwellings would fail to provide sufficient amenity space for the future occupiers of the development. As such the proposal would fail to accord with Poilicy D3 of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan and Policy ESDQ28 of the Thame Neighbourhood Plan and guidance contained within the South Oxfordshire Design Guide.
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