The Development Management Subcommittee of West Oxfordshire Council convened on 8th June 2026, electing Councillor Andy Goodwin as Chair and Councillor Mark Walker as Vice-Chair. The meeting addressed 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 proposal included 10 market homes and 10 affordable homes, with the majority of the site to be retained as nature-enhanced public open space. Objectors raised concerns about the impact on the Cotswolds National Landscape, sustainability, pedestrian safety, and water supply. Supporters highlighted the urgent need for affordable housing and the benefits of redeveloping a previously undeveloped site.

After extensive debate and questioning of officers, Councillor Vizzi proposed deferring the decision for a site visit, which was unanimously agreed by the committee. The site visit is scheduled for Thursday, 2nd July, at 9:30 am.

Well Cottage, Thames Street, Charlbury

Permission was sought for the conversion of an existing garage and former workshop building into a two-bedroom dwelling. Charlbury Town Council objected primarily on the grounds of inadequate parking and non-compliance with neighbourhood plan policies. The applicant argued that the proposal met Oxfordshire County Council's parking standards and would bring a vacant building back into use in a sustainable location.

The committee approved the application, with conditions including the addition of a swift box (or bird box) and a construction management plan if contamination issues arise from potential petrol tanks.

Play Area, Windmill Road, North Leigh

The application was for the replacement of an existing hard-surfaced play area with a new fenced multi-use games area (MUGA). The facility is intended for older children and is funded by developer contributions. The Parish Council spoke in support, highlighting the need for such a facility in the village.

The committee approved the application, noting that the principle of the use was already established and that there were no objections on design, ecology, heritage, or flood risk grounds, subject to conditions.

The Fox Inn, 27 Enstone Road, Middle Barton

This application sought listed building consent for retrospective internal alterations to The Fox Inn, a Grade II listed public house. The works involved opening up an existing doorway and altering the inglenook fireplace. The Parish Council and supporters argued that the alterations were necessary to make the pub viable and enhance its community value, while the Council's Conservation Officer and Historic England objected, citing harm to the listed building's significance.

After considerable debate, the committee voted to approve the application against officer recommendations, with a vote of 5-4.

Cherry Tree Cottage, Lower End, Salford

The application was for a change of use from a holiday let to a dwelling. Salford Parish Council objected, citing concerns about incremental residential intensification and the site's sustainability. The applicant stated that the holiday let was no longer viable and that the change of use would allow them to downsize within the village.

The committee approved the application, with officers noting that there were no external changes and that the site was within a built-up area. The decision was made in the context of the Council's inability to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, engaging the presumption in favour of sustainable development.

3 Church View, Bampton (Listed Building Consent)

Listed building consent was sought for internal alterations to create a new loft access opening in a first-floor bedroom with integrated ladder access. The application was brought to committee because the applicant is an elected member. The Conservation Officer raised no objection.

The committee approved the application, agreeing with the officer's recommendation.

Asthall Manor, Asthall

Listed building consent was sought for internal alterations, including the installation of internal wall insulation to improve thermal performance. The applicant, Councillor Sarah Veasey, stated that the materials used were breathable and reversible. The Conservation Officer supported the proposal, subject to conditions.

The committee approved the application, agreeing with the officer's recommendation.

3 Church View, Bampton (Householder Development)

This application was for the erection of a detached garden studio. The applicant, Councillor Alistair Wray, is an elected member, leading to the application being presented to the committee. The proposal was modest in scale and design, with no objections from the Parish Council or Conservation Officer.

The committee approved the application, with Councillor Beazley proposing and Councillor Lowen seconding, noting that the decision was based on the planning merits of the application.

Delegated Decisions and Appeals

The committee noted a list of applications determined under delegated powers and a report on appeal decisions. Notably, an appeal concerning Land West of Colt House in Bampton was allowed, on the grounds that the condition restricting occupancy to those over 55 was not necessary to make the application acceptable. An appeal concerning The Woodman Inn in North Leigh was also allowed, permitting its change of use to a dwelling.