Agenda and draft minutes
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Apologies for Absence To receive any apologies for absence from members of Sub-Committee. The quorum for the Sub-Committee is 4 members. Additional documents: Minutes: Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Michael Brooker and David Melvin.
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Declarations of Interest To receive any declarations of interest from members of the Sub-Committee on any items to be considered at the meeting. Additional documents: Minutes: Councillor Steve Cosier declared that his ward covered Aston and the application would partially cover Aston, however he was not predetermined and would remain for the debate and vote.
Councillor Alistair Wray declared that his ward covered Bampton and the application would cover Bampton, however he was not predetermined and would remain for the debate and vote.
25/02878/FUL Land Between Upavon Way and Northwood Cresent, Carterton. Councillors Michele Mead and Nick Leverton declared they were district councillors for wards in Carterton and had known about the land and its history but were not predetermined and would remain for the debate and vote.
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Minutes of Previous Meeting To approve the minutes of the previous meeting, held on Monday 9 February 2026. Additional documents: Minutes: Councillor Alistair Wray proposed the approval of the minutes of the previous meeting held on Monday 9 February 2026. Councillor Michele Mead seconded the proposal which was put to the vote and agreed by the sub-committee.
The Sub-Committee resolved to:
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Applications for Development Purpose: To consider applications for development, details of which are set out in the attached schedule.
Recommendation: That the applications be determined in accordance with the recommendations of the Head of Planning.
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25/01702/FUL Land Parcel At E433108 N204560, Lew, Bampton. Additional documents: Minutes: James Nelson, the Principal Planner presented the application for the construction and operation of a ground-mounted solar farm with battery energy storage system (BESS) and associated infrastructure, access, ancillary works and landscaping. The Principal Planner thanked members for attending the site visit on Thursday 5 March 2026. The application included;
The Principal Planner drew the members attention to the additional representations report with proposed amendments to conditions 4, 6,12 and 15. The Principal Planner went on to explain the merits of the application these included the production of renewable energy which was in line with policy EH6. The solar farm production of energy would help meet targets for reducing carbon emissions and increase energy security by generating energy to 16 thousand houses per year. The site did not have rights of way across the land and was not best and most versatile agricultural land. Landscape enhancements had been included with additional planting and position of the panels to provide minimal visual impact on the heritage of the surrounding areas. Following objections over flood risk concerns the position of the panels had been reconsidered to reduce the risk of flooding. Moderate harm to the conservation areas of surrounding villages of Aston and Bampton had been considered and it was found that the public benefits of the application outweighed the harms, the application was recommended for approval by officers.
Councillor Andrew Ogg, Bampton Parish Council, spoke in objection to the application and raised concerns regarding the impact on local villages and heritage of the surrounding areas, the size and scale of the site and the lack of local benefit. Councillor Ogg stated that the application was not balanced and requested that other locations be considered for an application of this size.
Tom Oliver and Aiden Van Weyer spoke as agents for the applicant and confirmed that the application well located with low impact on the wider environment including an increase of buffer zones and screening away from heritage assets. The land to be used was of B2 grade and there was no visibility between the site and conservation area. The impacts of the larger site had been considered, and the layout of the site had mitigated this. Guidance on flood risk had been taken and changes made to the layout.
In debate members highlighted concerns regarding the risk to flooding, the scale of the site and location of the panels particularly concerning the drainage ... view the full minutes text for item 111. |
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25/02878/FUL Land Between Upavon Way And Northwood Crescent, Carterton. Additional documents: Minutes: Clare Anscombe, Senior Planner presented the application for a residential development of 265 dwellings including landscaping, car parking, infrastructure, public open space and associated works; vehicular access via Northwood Crescent including a signalised crossing across Upavon Way to replace the existing underpass. The application included;
The Senior Planner drew members attention to the Additional Representation Report and advised of additional comments and a correction to Condition 27. The Senior Planner went on to explain the merits of the application; the land was already allocated in the WOLP 2031 and was located in the service centre of the town. This was important as the Council could not demonstrate a 5-year land supply. The development was a sustainable design with green spaces, public play areas and no impact on protected areas. The underpass on Upavon Way would be closed and replaced with a pedestrian crossing. The project would bring an increase in employment and contribute to the local economy and there would be a S106 contributions from the developer. The benefits of the application outweighed the harms, and the officer’s recommendation was for approval subject to clarifications regarding the road safety audit, the flooding and infiltration, and delegated authority being granted to Officers to amend the wording of conditions set out within the report (without changing their intention) and completion of legal agreements.
Jemma Shorrock, Taylor Wimpey, and Lt Col Robyn Hall spoke in support of the application bringing the members attention to the need for housing for service men, their families, as well as local families. Working with Defence Strategy Housing the development of defence land would create homes for service men to be closer to their families and place of work. The design of the houses would be sustainable and included solar panels, low carbon air source heat pumps and be energy efficient to keep bills down for families.
In debate the members thanked the speakers for the application which supported local families as well as service personal and their families. Members commented on the sustainability of the proposed site and the use of the proposed land for meeting housing needs. Members asked if funding from the developer’s contribution could be ... view the full minutes text for item 112. |
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Applications Determined under Delegated Powers Purpose: To inform the Sub-Committee of applications determined under delegated powers.
Recommendation:
Additional documents: Minutes: The report giving details of the applications determined under Delegated Powers was received, explained by officers and noted by the Sub-Committee.
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Purpose: To inform the Sub-Committee of any appeal decisions.
Recommendation: 1. That the report be noted by the Sub-Committee. Additional documents: Minutes: The report giving details of the appeals was received, explained by the officers and noted by the Sub-Committee.
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Site Visits Purpose To outline sites which in the Officer’s opinion, the Sub-Committee should visit prior to the Sub-Committee’s determination of that application at a future meeting.
Recommendation 1. To agree any site visits outlined by officers Additional documents: Minutes: The Principal Planner confirmed there were no site visit reports to consider. |