Planning Application Details

That the proposal would be contrary to the provisions of the adopted Rural Areas Local Plan and approved South Oxfordshire Local Plan. Proposals for the conversion of existing buildings in the countryside may be considered favourably provided that they would not require significant alterations which would damage their fabric or essential character (RALP Policy CON11; SOLP Policy C11). The District Council seeks to ensure a high standard of design and layout for all new development (RALP Policy G5; Policy G8). In Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty the primary aim is to conserve and enhance the natural beauty and special landscape quality of the area. Development which would harm the beauty of the area will not be permitted, and to be acceptable must be sympathetic in terms of siting, design and materials (RALP Policy C7 SOLP Policy C2). Having regard to its form and location, the garage to serve Unit 4 would represent a prominent and incongruous structure which would detract from the setting of the converted agricultural buildings and the quality of the landscape in this part of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The amount and nature of the window and door openings in the western elevation of Units 4 and 5, and the insertion of rooflights into the large and prominent eastern roof slope of Units 1-3 would detract from the agricultural character of the buildings and from the special landscape quality of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.