The Development Management Sub-Committee of West Oxfordshire Council met on Monday 08 June 2026, electing Councillor Andy Goodwin as Chair and Councillor Mark Walker as Vice-Chair. The committee discussed several planning applications, with a key decision being the deferral of the Land West of Coombe Road application for a site visit.

Land West of Coombe Road, Stonesfield

Outline planning permission was sought for 20 dwellings on land west of Coombe Road in Stonesfield. The application was presented by Mike Cassidy, Principal Planner, who highlighted that the site is within the Stonesfield Conservation Area and the Cotswolds National Landscape (CNL). The proposal included 10 affordable and 10 market housing units, with a significant portion of the site to be retained as nature-enhanced public open space.

Objectors, including John Ashmore representing 150 Stonesfield residents and Councillor Lowe from Stonesfield Parish Council, raised concerns about the lack of demand for market housing, inadequate transport links, pedestrian safety, and potential issues with water supply and sewerage. They argued that the proposal would harm the national landscape and that the neighbourhood plan, which designates the area as local green space, had been ignored.

Supporters, including Bill Oddie and Ben Tomlin from Independent Futures, emphasised the significant unmet affordable housing need in Stonesfield, citing high rental costs and the council's housing waiting list. They argued that the development would provide much-needed affordable homes and support local residents.

Officers noted that the Council cannot demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, engaging the tilted balance in favour of sustainable development. They concluded that while there would be some harm to the landscape and heritage assets, it was less than substantial and outweighed by the public benefits, including the provision of affordable housing and ecological enhancements.

However, following extensive debate and questions regarding permitted development rights, the designation of the footpath, the loss of arable land, and the unspecified nature of community housing contributions, Councillor Sarah Veasey proposed a deferral for a site visit. This was seconded by Councillor Michele Mead and agreed unanimously by the committee. The site visit was scheduled for Thursday, 2 July, at 9:30 am.

Well Cottage, Thames Street, Charlbury

Fern Lynch, Principal Planner, presented an application for the conversion of an existing garage and former workshop building into a separate two-bedroom dwelling. The site is located in the Charlbury Conservation Area and Cotswolds National Landscape. Charlbury Town Council objected primarily on the grounds of inadequate parking provision, contrary to the neighbourhood plan.

James Simpson, speaking for the applicant, stated that the vacant building was an eyesore and that the conversion would provide a much-needed dwelling in a sustainable location, with parking for one car, cycles, and electric vehicle charging.

Officers recommended approval, noting that Oxfordshire County Council Highways had no objection after revised plans were submitted. Councillor David Jackson proposed approval with amendments to include a swift box and a Construction Traffic Management Plan, which was seconded by Councillor Elizabeth Poskitt and agreed unanimously.

Play Area, Windmill Road, North Leigh

Clare Anscombe, Planning Officer, presented an application for the replacement of an existing hard-surfaced playground with a new fenced Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA). The site is owned by West Oxfordshire District Council. Councillor David Harris, speaking for North Leigh Parish Council, highlighted that the facility was for older children, funded by developer contributions, and had strong community support. Officers recommended approval, subject to conditions regarding external lighting. Councillor Andrew Lyon proposed approval, seconded by Councillor Steve Cosier, which was agreed unanimously. Councillor Tim Sumner declared an interest as an Executive Member for West Oxfordshire for Sport but was permitted to vote.

The Fox Inn, Enstone Road, Middle Barton

Rebekah Orriss, Senior Planner, presented a retrospective application for listed building consent for internal alterations, including opening up a doorway and works to an inglenook fireplace. The Fox Inn is a Grade II listed public house and an Asset of Community Value. Officers recommended refusal, citing objections from the Council's Conservation Officer and Historic England, who identified less than substantial harm to the listed building's significance. They argued that the works were not necessary to secure the pub's optimum viable use and that the public benefits did not outweigh the harm.

Councillor Steve Ferrelly, speaking for Middle Barton Parish Council, supported the application, arguing that the alterations improved the pub's functionality and community value. Chris Flemming and Tony O'Sullivan, the applicants, emphasised the need for adaptation to ensure the pub's long-term viability and highlighted the significant investment made.

Following debate, Councillor Steve Cosier proposed approving the application against officer recommendations, arguing that the works were necessary for the pub's viability and that the harm was outweighed by public benefits. Councillor Andrew Lyon seconded the motion. The vote was 5 in favour, 0 against, and 5 abstentions, resulting in the application being approved.

Cherry Tree Cottage, Lower End, Salford

Nathan Harris, Planning Officer, presented an application for the change of use of a holiday let to a dwelling. The site is within the Cotswolds National Landscape. Salford Parish Council objected, citing concerns about incremental residential intensification and lack of local need. The applicants stated that the holiday let was no longer viable and they wished to downsize within the village. Officers recommended approval, noting no external changes and the Council's inability to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply. Councillor Steve Cosier proposed approval, seconded by Councillor Elizabeth Poskitt, which was carried with 9 votes in favour, 0 against, and 1 abstention.

3 Church View, Bampton (Listed Building Consent - Loft Access)

George Matthews, Planning Officer, presented a listed building consent application for internal alterations to create a new loft access. The application was brought to committee as the applicant is an elected member. The Conservation Officer raised no objection. Councillor Andrew Lyon proposed approval, seconded by Councillor Steve Cosier, which was agreed unanimously.

Asthall Manor, Asthall (Listed Building Consent - Insulation)

James Nelson, Principal Planner, presented a listed building consent application for internal wall insulation. The applicant is an elected member. The Conservation Officer had no objections, and officers recommended approval. Councillor Andrew Lyon proposed approval, seconded by Councillor Elizabeth Poskitt, which was agreed unanimously.

3 Church View, Bampton (Householder - Garden Studio)

Sarah Weaver, Planning Officer, presented a householder application for a detached garden studio. The applicant is an elected member. The application was brought to committee due to the applicant's status. The Conservation Officer raised no objections. Councillor Andrew Lyon proposed approval, seconded by Councillor Steve Cosier, which was agreed unanimously. Councillor Sarah Veasey raised a point about applications involving elected members being brought to committee, questioning the process.

Delegated Decisions and Appeal Decisions

The committee received reports on applications determined under delegated powers and appeal decisions. Councillor Andrew Beaney thanked officers for their work on these reports.

The meeting concluded at 5:15 pm.