The Development Management Sub-Committee of West Oxfordshire Council met on Monday 6 July 2026, deferring one planning application and refusing another due to flood risk and amenity concerns. The committee also approved two other planning applications, one for a change of use of amenity land and another for a beauty salon outbuilding, and received updates on enforcement cases and appeal decisions.

Land West of Coombe Road

The committee agreed to defer the decision on the application for land west of Coombe Road. Planning officer Fern Lynch explained that a substantial change to the proposed public open space offering had come to light late last week, requiring officers to have more time to reconsider its impact. Councillor David Jackson proposed the deferment, which was seconded by Councillor Steve Cosier and unanimously agreed.

5A West End, Witney

The application for the demolition of a timber workshop and the erection of a replacement building comprising two one-bedroom apartments at 5A West End, Witney, was refused. Planning Officer Clare Anscombe presented the application, highlighting concerns regarding flood risk, particularly the site's location within flood zones 2 and 3, and the lack of a submitted sequential flood risk test. Objectors, including resident Guy Plowman and ward councillor Andrew Prosser, raised concerns about the impact of the development on neighbouring properties from flooding and loss of light, citing previous flooding incidents in the area. The applicant's agent, Debbie Jones, argued that the site was in flood zone 1 and that a sequential test was not required, and that the development would have minimal impact on daylight and sunlight. However, officers maintained that a sequential test was necessary due to the risk of river flooding. The committee also discussed concerns about the size of the proposed apartments, which were noted as falling below national space standards, and the overbearing impact of the proposed building on neighbouring properties. Councillor Andrew Beaney proposed refusal based on the officers' recommendation, which was seconded by Councillor Jack Treloar. The application was refused unanimously.

63 Barrington Close, Witney

The committee approved the application for the change of use of a parcel of land from amenity to residential and the erection of a boundary fence to enclose the garden at 63 Barrington Close, Witney. Planning Officer Clare Anscombe presented the application, noting that while it might set a precedent, the fence's setback from the footpath, existing vegetation, and the removal of permitted development rights would maintain a sense of openness. Witney Town Council objected to the application, citing the loss of publicly accessible amenity land and the potential for incremental erosion of shared green space. Councillor Jack Treloar proposed approval in line with the officer's recommendation, which was seconded by Councillor Phil Godfrey. The application was approved with eight votes in favour and one abstention.

37 Wilkins Close, Brize Norton

The committee approved the application for the erection of a detached outbuilding for use as a beauty salon and the relocation of an existing shed at 37 Wilkins Close, Brize Norton. Planning Officer James Nelson presented the application, noting that it was before the committee due to the applicant being an officer of the council. Concerns were raised about enforceability of client limits and the need for plumbing, but officers stated these were outside planning control. Conditions were proposed to restrict operating hours and the number of clients at any one time. Councillor David Jackson proposed approval, seconded by Councillor Steve Cosier, and the application was unanimously approved.

Progress on Enforcement Cases

Kelly Murray, Principal Planner (Enforcement and Appeals), provided an update on priority enforcement cases. She highlighted ongoing work at West End House in Witney, a neglected Grade 2 listed building, where the council was preparing to carry out urgent works. Enforcement notices had been served in relation to various breaches at other sites, and compliance had been achieved in some priority cases. Murray also reported on appeal decisions, noting that two enforcement notices had been quashed due to technical deficiencies. Councillor Andrew Beaney praised the new system for updating members on enforcement cases, and Councillor Elizabeth Poskitt inquired about the status of the Unicorn in Great Rollright, another Grade 2 listed building.

Appeal Decisions

Fern Lynch, Principal Planner, presented an update on appeal decisions. She noted that two appeals had been dismissed, and two enforcement notices had been quashed on technical grounds. Councillor Andrew Beaney questioned why costs had been awarded against the council in one case, and Councillor Jack Treloar sought clarification on the process of re-issuing enforcement notices after an appeal had been lost on technicalities. Councillor Elizabeth Poskitt raised concerns about the quashing of an enforcement notice related to an island dwelling, questioning the next steps.

Applications Determined under Delegated Powers

The committee noted the report on applications determined under delegated powers, with no discussion.

The meeting concluded at 3:42 pm.