Planning Application Details

That the proposal would be contrary to policy H1 of the Oxfordshire Structure Plan, and policies G1 and H5 of the adopted South Oxfordshire Local Plan which seek to protect the District from adverse development and to restrict development within the smaller villages to strict infill development, which is the filling of an appropriate small gap in an otherwise built-up frontage by the erection of one or two dwellings. The site is a large open space within the village of Henton, and having regard to its extensive nature the site does not constitute an infill site, and there are no overriding circumstances to justify a departure from the planning policies of the Local Planning Authority. The site is a large important open space within the village of Henton. Development of the site by the erection of one large dwelling would significantly detract from the attractive open rural character of the site, and create an undesirable precedent for further development on other parts of the site and in the general locality which has several areas of open land which contribute significantly to the rural character of the area. The development would thereby be contrary to policies H4 and H5 set out in the adopted South Oxfordshire Local Plan. That in dismissing a very recent appeal against the refusal of planning permission for the erection of one house and garage on the land in 1999 (applic. ref. P98/N0039), the Inspector appointed to determine the appeal concluded: "In view of its size I believe the site constitutes an important open space of environmental value. Moreover, in my view it cannot be described as a small gap in an otherwise built-up frontage, and even its partial development in the manner proposed would compromise the contribution which it makes to the character of the area. I have concluded therefore that the proposed development would harm the character and appearance of the surrounding area, and be in conflict with both structure plan Policy H1 and local plan Policy H5. I have noted your suggestions that the appeal proposal would reduce the possibility of a more comprehensive residential scheme being implemented, or that the owner may wish to exercise agricultural permitted development rights. In my judgement however it would be more likely that the partial development of the land would lead in the long term to its complete development, and I do not consider the second possibility to be a sufficient reason to influence the outcome of this case." In the opinion of the Local Planning Authority, the same considerations apply to the current proposal. Having regard to the siting of the proposed dwelling in relation to the adjacent property, Minstrels Barn, the proposal represents a form of backland development which would involve vehicles passing and repassing adjacent to the full length of the property, causing noise and disturbance to the detriment of the residential amenity currently enjoyed by the occupants of that property.