Planning Application Details

That the proposal would be contrary to policy G4 of the Oxfordshire Structure Plan and policy GB2 of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan. The site lies within the Oxford Green Belt wherein there is a general presumption against new development apart from that which is essential for the needs of agriculture, forestry and recreation or some other purpose appropriate to the Green Belt. It is considered there is insufficient justification to warrant any departure from these Green Belt policies. That the proposal would be contrary to the general, environmental and housing policies of the Oxfordshire Structure Plan (policies G1, EN4 and H1), and the adopted South Oxfordshire Local Plan (policies G1, G5, C1, H5 and H18). The site does not constitute a strict infill plot, that is a small gap in an otherwise built up frontage. Its development by the erection of two dwellings would be an unacceptable form of backland development that would extend the built up limits of the village into open countryside and detract from the rural character of the area. That the development would be contrary to Central Government advice set out in Planning Policy Guidance Note 2 - Green Belts which states that there is a general presumption against inappropriate development within the Green Belt except for the needs of agriculture, forestry, outdoor sport, cemeteries and other uses of land which preserve the openness of the area. The proposal does not constitute limited infilling and it therefore comprises inappropriate development that is, by definition, harmful to the Green Belt. No exceptional circumstances have been put forward that would warrant overriding this Government Guidance. That in dismissing an appeal in March 1985 against the refusal of planning permission for the erection of seven dwellings on the site (ref SO/N/396/84/O), the Inspector stated: "The land to be developed is outside the defined limits of the village and the proposal, in my opinion, is a form of backland development at the rear of the houses in School Lane. The rear gardens of these small semi-detached houses soften the change between the rural and urban area, the boundary is well established and, in my view clearly defines the limit of the village at this point. In my opinion the proposed development is outside the natural boundary of the village, and, if development were to be permitted on this land, it would appear a prominent intrusion into the adjoining countryside and it would have a pronounced visual impact on the character of this part of the green belt." It is considered that this statement is equally applicable to the present proposal.