The Planning & Regulation Committee of Oxfordshire Council was scheduled to discuss two significant planning applications. The first concerned a flexible commercial development at the former Wicklesham Quarry in Faringdon, and the second related to the determination of conditions for mineral extraction at Thrupp Farm in Radley, near Abingdon.

Land at Former Wicklesham Quarry, Faringdon

The committee was scheduled to consider an outline planning application for a commercial development at the former Wicklesham Quarry, SN7 7PH. The proposal included up to 29,573 square metres of commercial floorspace for uses such as offices, research and development, light industrial, general industrial, and storage and distribution. All matters were reserved for future determination except for access.

The report pack indicated a recommendation to approve the planning permission, subject to a Traffic Regulation Order for a raised island crossing and a Section 106 agreement to cover specific matters. The application had undergone numerous amendments and consultations, with significant discussion around building heights, landscape impacts, and the site's relationship with the surrounding rural character and heritage assets. Concerns were also raised by various stakeholders regarding highway impacts, ecology, geodiversity, and the adequacy of infrastructure, particularly water supply and foul water drainage.

Land at Thrupp Farm, Radley

The committee was also scheduled to consider an application for the determination of conditions for existing planning permissions (DD1 and DD2) at Thrupp Farm, Radley, Abingdon, OX1 4SJ. This was not a new planning application but a review of conditions for mineral extraction, with the principle of extraction already established. The application was accompanied by an Environmental Statement due to its classification as Schedule 1 development under the EIA Regulations.

The applicant proposed conditions for the extraction of an estimated one million tonnes of sand and gravel over ten to fifteen years, with a phased working and restoration programme. The proposed conditions aimed to ensure modern environmental standards for working practices and mitigation strategies. However, significant concerns were raised by the Council's Senior Biodiversity Officer regarding the potential loss of irreplaceable and priority habitats, including lowland fen and wet woodland, and the impact on notable and priority species. The applicant argued that the proposed restoration and management plans would compensate for these losses, but this was contested.

The committee was recommended to refer the application to the Secretary of State for consideration, given the significant adverse effects identified through the loss of irreplaceable and priority habitats, and the potential legal and financial implications for the council if conditions were imposed that restricted working rights. If the Secretary of State declined to call in the application, the Director of Economy and Place would be authorised to determine the conditions, excluding those that would restrict development in areas of irreplaceable and priority habitats.