Conditions / Refusal Reasons
The proposal would be contrary to the provisions of the adopted Rural
Areas Local Plan (1992) and the approved South Oxfordshire Local Plan
(1993) which provide that within the built-up areas of the larger
villages outside the Green Belt strict infill development may be
permitted (RALP H4, SOLP H4 & H5). Planning permission will not normally
be granted for new houses on the edge of settlements which would extend
the built-up area into the countryside (RALP H5, SOLP H6), nor for
backland development because of problems of privacy and access (RALP H7,
SOLP H18). In Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty the aim is to conserve
and enhance the natural beauty and special landscape quality of the area
and development which conflicts with this aim will not be permitted
(RALP C7, SOLP C2). Within Conservation Areas the Council will seek to
ensure that the character of individual Conservation Areas is preserved
or enhanced (RALP CON1, SOLP CON8) and that features which contribute to
the character of the area are retained (RALP CON4, SOLP CON10).
The Grange is a large, attractive Edwardian property set in spacious
landscaped grounds on the edge of the village of Goring. The site lies
within the Goring on Thames Conservation Area and the Chilterns Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty. In this case the site cannot be considered as
an infill plot as the provision of two dwellings in this location would
involve an extension of building development into an area of
essentially open and undeveloped land which would be detrimental to the
character of the Conservation Area and the visual amenity of the Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty. Further, that having regard to the siting and
access details (although access is reserved for subsequent approval) the
proposal represents an inappropriate form of backland development out of
character with the surrounding area and giving rise to noise and nuisance
from use of the access to the occupants of Nos. 18 and 19 Grange Close.
The proposal would involve the loss of a large silver maple (plot 1) and
other smaller ornamental trees (driveway and garages) contrary to
Policy C15 of the adopted Rural Areas Local Plan (1992) and Policy C18
of the approved South Oxfordshire Local Plan (1993).
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