The Development Management Sub-Committee of West Oxfordshire Council is scheduled to consider a significant planning application for residential development in Charlbury. The meeting will also receive updates on applications determined under delegated powers and appeal decisions.

Land South of Forest Road, Charlbury

The primary focus of the meeting is the consideration of a full planning application for the erection of thirty-seven dwellings, including access roads, landscaping, and associated earthworks, at Land South Of Forest Road, Charlbury¹. This application, number 23/03071/FUL, has a complex history, including a previous approval that was subsequently quashed by the High Court. The report pack details the extensive considerations involved, including the principle of development, impact on the Cotswolds National Landscape², affordable housing provision, layout and design, heritage assets, highway impact and pedestrian accessibility, residential amenity, flood risk, biodiversity, sustainability, and necessary Section 106 contributions³.

The report highlights that the Council is currently unable to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, which engages certain policies within the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)⁴. A key aspect of the discussion will be the application of NPPF paragraph 190, which requires refusal of major development in National Landscapes unless exceptional circumstances are demonstrated and the development is in the public interest. Officers' assessment is that the proposed development does not constitute major development in this context, a view that contrasts with the objection from the Cotswolds National Landscape Board⁵.

Significant attention is given to the impact on the adjacent Ancient Woodland⁶. The report details the ecological assessments and the proposed mitigation and compensation strategies, including a 5-metre buffer zone and a new area of native woodland planting. The report concludes that wholly exceptional reasons exist for development on this site, citing the significant and evidenced affordable housing need in Charlbury, the provision of specialist assisted living accommodation, and the limited harm to the woodland in the specific circumstances of the site.

The application proposes 37 dwellings, with 57% designated as affordable housing, exceeding the Local Plan requirement of 40%. This includes 15 social rented units and 6 discount market housing units, along with seven assisted living bungalows. The development also includes 12 custom and self-build properties. The report details extensive Section 106 contributions sought from the applicant towards local infrastructure, including sports and recreational facilities, primary healthcare, public transport, education, and waste management.

The report also addresses concerns raised by Great Western Railway regarding the potential preclusion of future car park expansion at Charlbury station and the lack of a direct walking, cycling, and wheeling link to the northbound platform.

The meeting documents also indicate that the Sub-Committee will be informed of applications determined under delegated powers and any appeal decisions, though no specific reports are listed for these items.