Conditions / Refusal Reasons
That the proposal would be contrary to the general, environmental,
green belt and housing policies of the Oxfordshire Structure Plan 2011
(particularly policies G1, G2, EN1, EN4 and H1) and the adopted South
Oxfordshire Local Plan (particularly policies G1, G8, GB2, C3 and H5).
The site lies within the Oxford Green Belt and an Area of Great
Landscape Value. Whilst the site does constitute a gap in a built
up frontage within Beckley, the proposal is not considered to be an
acceptable form of infill development for the following reasons:-
Firstly, having regard to its size, bulk and detailing, the proposal
would appear prominent, intrusive and out of keeping with its
surroundings. Secondly, it would result in the loss of important
public views of Otmoor. Finally, it is considered to be an
unneighbourly form of development that would detract from the standard
of residential amenities enjoyed by the occupiers of the adjacent
dwelling, Orchard House.
That the proposal would be contrary to policies CON8, CON10 and CON15
of the adopted South Oxfordshire Local Plan. The site lies within
the Beckley Conservation Area and is specifically referred to in the
Beckley Character Study. It is considered that the proposal, by reason
of its inappropriate design and excessive size, would neither preserve
nor enhance the character and appearance of the Beckley Conservation
Area and would result in the loss of important public views towards
Otmoor.
That in allowing an appeal for Conservation Area consent to demolish a
garage and high wall along Church Road (reference P98/N0345/CA allowed
in April 1999), the Inspector stated, inter alia "the removal of
these structures would enable much more open views across the
countryside to Otmoor and would result in a considerable visual
improvement". It is considered that there has been no change in
circumstances to warrant a different conclusion on this issue.
That insufficient details have been submitted to show that foul drainage
can be disposed of satisfactorily, contrary to the guidance contained in
DETR Circular 3/99 and Policy G6 of the adopted South Oxfordshire
Local Plan.
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