The Development Management Sub-Committee of West Oxfordshire Council met on Monday 12 October 2026, approving a self-build housing development in Aston and listed building consent for internal alterations at Asthall Manor. The committee also agreed that had the council been in a position to determine a major housing application in Ducklington, it would have refused it due to significant flood risk concerns. Similarly, the committee agreed that had they been able to determine a large housing development at Peashell Farm, Curbridge, they would have refused planning permission.

Field North of North Street Farm, Aston

The committee approved an outline application for up to 16 self-build and custom-build plots, including seven affordable Discount Market Sale plots, on land north of North Street Farm in Aston. The decision was made despite concerns raised by the Parish Council regarding the scale of development, landscape impact, heritage concerns, drainage, sewage capacity, and highway safety. The committee noted that the council cannot demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, and the proposal addresses a significant shortfall in self-build plots. The approval is subject to a Section 106 agreement and conditions, including the resolution of outstanding ecological surveys.

Land East of Witney Road, Ducklington

The committee unanimously refused a reserved matters application for 105 dwellings on land east of Witney Road in Ducklington. This refusal was primarily due to significant flood risk concerns, with the majority of the site now classified as Flood Zone 3. The Environment Agency maintained its objection, stating that the development had not been satisfactorily demonstrated to be safe for its lifetime without increasing flood risk elsewhere. Further reasons for refusal included concerns about the layout, appearance, and scale of the development, which were considered to be poorly integrated and lacking local distinctiveness, and insufficient information to demonstrate safe and satisfactory arrangements for vehicular, pedestrian, and cycle movements.

Appeal Against Non-Determination: Land at Peashell Farm, Downs Road, Curbridge

The committee agreed that had the council been in a position to determine the outline application for up to 370 dwellings at Peashell Farm, Downs Road, Curbridge, it would have refused planning permission. The reasons for refusal, which will form the basis of the council's case at the upcoming public inquiry, relate to unacceptable living conditions for future occupiers due to noise from the A40, the principle of development outside a settlement that is not physically well-related to Witney, and the absence of a completed planning obligation. The committee also delegated authority to the Head of Planning to make necessary amendments to these reasons for refusal and to agree the terms of a planning obligation.

Asthall Manor, Asthall

Listed building consent was unanimously approved for internal alterations at Asthall Manor to increase the scope of interior wall insulation. The works involve the application of a thin, breathable Aerogel board and lime plaster, which officers and the Conservation Officer considered would not impact the heritage asset's significance, setting, or the character of the Asthall Conservation Area and Cotswold National Landscape. The proposal was also noted to contribute to long-term sustainability through improved thermal performance.

Applications Determined Under Delegated Powers

The committee noted a report detailing applications determined under delegated powers.

Appeal Decisions

The committee was informed of recent appeal decisions. Notably, an appeal for Forge Garage in Churchill was allowed, with the Inspector finding that the proposal would enhance the conservation area and provide acceptable living conditions, outweighing the loss of employment land. An appeal against an enforcement notice at Chalford Paddocks, Old Chalford, was dismissed, upholding the notice to cease unauthorised residential use of a stable building.

Site Visits

No site visits were proposed for the upcoming meeting.