Conditions / Refusal Reasons
That the development would be contrary to the general, environmental/
countryside and housing policies of the approved Structure Plan for
Oxfordshire (particularly policies G1, EN1, EN4 and EN7), the Council's
adopted Rural Areas Local Plan (particularly policies G1, G3, C7 and H5)
and the approved South Oxfordshire Local Plan (particularly policies G1,
G5, C2 and H6). The erection of new dwellings on this site would result
in the undesirable consolidation of a ribbon of development beyond the
built up area of Watlington and would be detrimental to the character and
visual amenity of the area which lies within the Chilterns Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty. There is considered to be no justification or
special circumstances relating to this proposal which warrant any departure
from the planning policies of the Local Planning Authority.
That having regard to the size and design of the dwellings and their
location to the rear of Tree Tops and the adjoining paddock, the proposed
development would be out of character with the established pattern of
development at Hill Road, Watlington, which is primarily frontage
development. The proposed development would, therefore, be detrimental to
the character and amenity of the area and would be contrary to policy G5 of
the adopted Rural Areas Local Plan and policy G8 of the South Oxfordshire
Local Plan.
That in respect of an appeal (T/APP/5355/A/82/12939/PH3) against the
Council's decision to refuse planning permission (SO/S/155/82/O) for the
erection of three detached houses with separate accesses and garages on the
paddock, the Inspector dismissed the appeal and made the following
comments:
"4. There is an extensive ribbon of houses on the south-western side of
Hill Road which has been strengthened by infilling in recent years.
This ribbon is virtually continuous from the junction with Spring
Lane south-eastwards to the appeal site, then there is the dwelling
No 60 Hill Road occupying a substantial plot, and an undeveloped
frontage, albeit with the hospital to the south-west as far as No 70
Hill Road. The ribbon of houses is then virtually continuous up to
the foot of the escarpment.
"5. In the Grounds of Appeal you say that the ribbon development already
exists and the proposed development would make no difference, it being
merely infilling. The conventional description of infilling is the
completion of an otherwise substantially built-up frontage by the
filling of a narrow gap capable usually of taking one or two dwellings
only. However I consider that your proposal cannot be regarded as
infilling since the appeal site is a substantial gap between the
houses on this road frontage. I regard the houses along Hill Road as
an intrusion into the attractive countryside, and the break in the
line of houses to the north-west of No 60 is a welcome gap which I
think should be preserved from development.
"6. The area to the south-east of Watlington is one of dramatic beauty
with the escarpment of the Chilterns rising out of the flatter land to
the north-west. The Local Planning Authority say that the area has
been designated under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside
Act 1949 as an Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty, and it has been
designated in the County Development Plan as an Area of Great
Landscape Value. I am convinced that your proposal, by adding to the
residentail development on Hill Road, would detract from the beauty of
the locality; and if permitted the proposals would be contrary to the
proper planning of the area."
Notwithstanding the fact that the current proposal involves development at
the rear of the paddock. In the opinion of the Local Planning Authority,
the same considerations apply to the current application.
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