Agenda item
25/02555/FUL Land South West of The Grange adjacent to Wychwood View, Woodstock Road.
Minutes:
The application sought permission for the erection of a single dwelling with associated landscaping at Land South West of The Grange adjacent to Wychwood View, along the Woodstock Road in Charlbury. The site related to an area of open space located in the centre of a small development of 4 dwellings at the edge of the built up area of the town of Charlbury. It sat within both the Charlbury Conservation Area and the Cotswolds National Landscape (CNL), formerly known as the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). It also fell within the plan area for the adopted Charlbury Neighbourhood Plan.
The report stated that the application had been referred to Members as the views of the Town Council were contrary to that of officers. The planning history was listed in pages 32-33 of the agenda pack. The Planning Officer’s report had concluded that whilst the proposal would reduce the openness of the central plot within Wychwood View, the change was considered limited and not harmful to the character or appearance of the wider conservation area or the protected landscape. The dwelling would be visually contained, with filtered views from Woodstock Road, and its scale and design would integrate logically with the existing pattern of development. Subject to conditions, the proposal would preserve the significance of the heritage asset and conserve the landscape and scenic beauty of the Cotswolds National Landscape.
In conclusion, officers reported that the adverse impacts identified did not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of the scheme. The proposal accorded with the relevant policies of the West Oxfordshire Local Plan 2031, the Charlbury Neighbourhood Plan, and the NPPF when taken as a whole. Accordingly, the application was recommended for approval, subject to conditions and completion of a Biodiversity Gain Plan. This should include an additional condition to secure obscure glazing on the first floor side window facing the neighbour.
Mr Chadwick (Agent) addressed the Sub-Committee. He highlighted that the report before Members specified that there were no technical objections from consultees and that the site was in a sustainable location within the settlement boundary of the town. He acknowledged that whilst the Town Council had raised objections, those concerns had now been alleviated. It had been demonstrated that the site would have a footpath linked to the town centre, and that the dwelling had been
sensitively designed to ensure that it sat comfortably next to the existing houses. In addition, the proposed materials were natural stone walls and stone slate roofs which were locally distinctive materials in Charlbury. As such the development would contribute positively to both the Cotswold National Landscape and the conservation area. Moreover, the proposal represented an efficient use of land and contributed to the Council`s housing land supply position.
During the debate Members suggested strengthening some of the conditions to include details of rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling. It was suggested that a site waste management plan may be advisable. A further matter related to the possible inclusion of a condition to secure the agreed tree protection measures.
The need for a construction travel management plan was also emphasised due to the dangers of the crowded road access into and out of the road and the parking situation in the vicinity. The possibility of requesting sustainable construction details was also discussed.
The Planning Officer advised that these issues could be addressed within the conditions but that the sustainable construction measures were covered by an informative instead as there was no policy requirement covering this matter.
Approval of the application was proposed by Cllr Goodwin and seconded by Cllr Beaney that subject to the inclusion of:
(a) Construction traffic management plan.
(b) Securing tree protection measures.
(c) Obscure glazing on the first floor side window facing The Grange.
(d) Amendment of condition 8 to include details of rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling measures.
The proposal was put to the vote and agreed by the Sub-Committee.
RESOLVED: That in line with officer`s recommendations and subject to relevant conditions and the completion of a biodiversity gain plan, the application be approved.