Planning Application Details

Having regard to the self-contained level of accommodation within the building and its physical separation from the main dwelling, the proposal would be tantamount to a new residential unit of accommodation outside of the built-up confines of Highmoor. As such, the principle of the development in an isolated location outside the built-up confines of a village within the district is considered to not accord with the District's strategy for growth. The proposal is contrary to the NPPF and contrary to Policies STRAT1 and H20 of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2035.

The proposed development does constitute infilling in the accepted sense of filling a small gap in an otherwise built-up frontage and neither it is closely surrounded by other buildings. As such the principle of the development is not acceptable as the development fails to accord with Policies H1 and H16 of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2035.

The proposed development would introduce domestic built-form on an existing open parcel of agricultural land which contributes greatly to the rural character and appearance of this area of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The development would harm the landscape setting of this area as a result, and give rise to light pollution to the detriment of the Chilterns Dark Skies. As such the proposed development fails to accord with Policies STRAT1, DES2, ENV1 and ENV12 of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2035.

The development to which this refusal relates has not demonstrated how the development will achieve at least a 9% reduction in carbon emissions compared with code 2022 Building Regulations. As such, the development does not comply with the requirements of Policy DES10 of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2035.