Conditions / Refusal Reasons
The application site currently comprises an open area of undeveloped agricultural land that makes a positive contribution to the Sonning Eye Conservation Area and landscape setting of the village. The proposed development, due to its siting on this land would fail to preserve the character and appearance of the Conservation Area, and would harm the landscape setting of the village. There is no demonstrable need for the development on this site, and there are no public benefits derived from the development that outweigh the harm to the Conservation Area. As such the development is contrary to Policies STRAT1, ENV6, ENV8, DES1, DES2 and ENV1 of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2035 and the National Planning Policy Framework.
The application is accompanied by insufficient information in respect of the lowering of ground levels for the flood compensation scheme, and therefore it has not been demonstrated that the works can be carried out without harm to the adjacent trees and hedgerow. Damage to these important landscape features would harm the character and appearance of the Conservation Area and the landscape setting of the village and would be contrary to Policies STRAT1, ENV6, ENV8, DES1, DES2 and ENV1 of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2035 and the National Planning Policy Framework.
(Show Map - opens in new window)
