Agenda item
25/00487/OUT Land (E) 428789 (E) 208512 Burford Road
Minutes:
The Planning Officer commenced by requesting Members to note the correction at paragraph 8.7 regards foul drainage should refer to condition number 14. During the presentation Members were provided with information regards an outline planning application with all matters reserved except access for up to 350 dwellings (Use Class C3); land for local community use (Use Classes E and F2); detailed means of access from Burford Road; public open space; landscaping; service infrastructure and associated works on land to the south of Burford Road, Brize Norton. This was at the site address of Burford Road Brize Norton, Oxfordshire. The officer recommendation stated that this application should be approved.
In highlighting the main elements of the application, the presenting officer stated that the proposed development provided an opportunity to accommodate 350 dwellings, contributing to WODC's housing land supply shortfall. primarily through the provision of market and affordable housing in a sustainable location adjoining a key service centre within the district. This would create a sustainable new community linked to both Carterton and Brize Norton.
Having considered all relevant factors related to this application, Officers were of the opinion that a development of this scale in this location would form a logical complement to the existing settlements of Brize Norton and Carterton which respected the wider landscape character. There were no demonstrable harms that would outweigh the benefits associated with the provision of 350 new dwellings (35% affordable) towards the Council's housing land supply shortfall. Additional benefits included the provision of 10% biodiversity net gain, two new play areas, new allotments, a flexible use community room and short term and long term economic benefits through employment during the build process and increased expenditure in the local area.
Therefore, the application was recommended for approval, subject to the imposition of the conditions set out on pages 49-58 of the report, and the S106 and S278 legal agreements. A total of 4 participants had registered to speak on the application.
Windrush against Sewage Pollution (WASP) made a number of points in opposition, and was concerned regards the quality and accuracy of the officer`s report. These related to the efficacy of the package plants proposed and the effluent discharge permit conditions negating any calculated flood storage benefit. Furthermore the report did not reference the EA's objection to the proposed use of package plants. It was requested that the council redraft a condition which ensures that Carterton and its network upgrades are made appropriately so that capacity can be created before any approval is granted.
Mr Goble Chairman of Brize Norton Parish Council also addressed the meeting. He stated that the application did not comply with the relevant policies and that if it were to be approved, it would cause unacceptable urban sprawl between Carterton, Brize Norton, Minster Lovell and Witney.
Given that Brize Norton`s was defined as a village, its development would have grown from 382 to 1200 houses. This was considered to be above and beyond its contribution towards the housing requirement of limited developments.
Ms Bisbey speaking on behalf of the applicant, stated that the proposed scheme provided a 70% betterment to the current scenario where surface water following rainfall was allowed to enter the groundwater and drainage systems at uncontrolled flow rates, especially during periods of heavy and persistent rain. The introduction of suds and attenuation ponds with controlled and reduced flow discharge into existing water courses would substantially improve the flood risk situation downstream.
Foul water was a key local issue. In the event that Thames Water did not resolve capacity issues as expected by Ofwat in May 2026, the agreed condition provided the ability to agree an interim on site private sewage treatment solution subject to an environmental permit. Furthermore, the scheme brought about benefits through the delivery of 35 % affordable homes. Ms Bisbey stated that there was a commitment to delivering on -site as expediently as possible and subject to outline planning permission being granted.
The final speaker was Cllr Pearson, and local ward member. She emphasised that there were many uncertainties and contradictions within the report. The issue of flooding was highlighted, stating according to the Ministry of Defence accentuation ponds needed to be emptied within 48 hours. This was contradictory to the ambition of a reduction in flooding by 70 %
In terms of roads, the highway improvements mentioned in the report, did not consider traffic or cycle routes for those who wished to go north of Burford Road. Other issues left unaddressed related to the change in nature of Kilkenny Lane Country Park, with its area of tranquillity and biodiversity being affected by the application.
Following all the speakers a number of points of clarification were raised by many of the Members. Whilst some members felt they could not support the recommendation others expressed the view that everything possible had been done that was required to ensure that it was a sustainable site that could not raise any objections. The development was felt to be in the interests of the residents.
Officers were able to address the concern of members, regards the view becoming urbanised from the county park. It was confirmed that the western part of the site would be limited to two storeys in height with a requirement for extensive landscaping belts to intermit the hard built form retaining a sense of variety of textures and pattern of development.
Following much deliberation it was,
RESOLVED: That the application be approved in line with the officer`s recommendation, subject to an additional requirement to secure fencing details around the attenuation ponds.
(A resolution was passed at 5pm to continue to proceed with the meeting)