Description
Outline application (with all matters reserved except access) for the erection of up to 120 dwellings (40% of which will be affordable) with associated access, public open space, landscaping and play space.(as amended and clarified by drawing nos 38409/5502/001 and 002 dated Oct 2016, Archaeological evaluation and Transport and Noise addendum reports accompanying Agent's letter dated 2 February 2016 and Framework Plan PL03 Rev C and agents e-mail dated 6 April 2017).
Conditions / Refusal Reasons
The proposal, by virtue of its urban character and open location to the east of Benson, would represent a significant encroachment into the open countryside. As a result the proposal would detract from the undeveloped rural character and appearance of the site and its surroundings, and would fail to conserve the landscape setting of Benson and would detract from the setting of the nearby Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Whilst all matters relating to design and layout are reserved for future consideration, the proposal, by virtue of its form and access arrangements would result in a development that would not be sufficiently integrated and connected to the wider built context and would fail to make a positive contribution to the quality of the character and functionality of the wider settlement. The adverse impacts of the development would significantly and demonstrably outweigh its benefits, and as such the proposal would not comprise sustainable development as defined by local and national legislation. The proposed development would therefore be contrary to paragraphs 7, 14 and 17 of the NPPF and sections 7 (Requiring good design) and 11 (Conserving and enhancing the natural environment) and polices CS1, CSR1, CSEN1 and CSQ3 of the South Oxfordshire Core Strategy and saved policies G2, G4, D1 and C4 of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2011.
The proposal involves the loss of a portion of grade 2 and 3a agricultural land, best and most versatile land, contrary to paragraphs 109 and 112 of the NPPF.
In the absence of a completed S106 legal agreement, the proposal fails to secure affordable housing to meet the needs of the district. As such, the development would be contrary to the National Planning Policy Framework and Policy CSH3 of the South Oxfordshire Core Strategy
In the absence of a completed S106 legal agreement, the proposal fails to secure on and off site infrastructure necessary to meet the needs of the development. As such, the development would be contrary to the National Planning Policy Framework, Policy CSI1 of the South Oxfordshire Core Strategy and Policies T1, R2 and R6 of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2011.
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