The Planning & Regulation Committee of Oxfordshire County Council met on Monday 20 July 2026 to discuss updates on former quarry sites and the determination of conditions for planning permissions. The meeting's agenda focused on two key planning applications, with significant discussion anticipated regarding environmental impacts and legal interpretations.

Update on Former Wicklesham Quarry, Faringdon

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the former Wicklesham Quarry in Faringdon, SN7 7PH. This item involved a proposed amendment to a previous resolution made by the committee on 19 January 2026. The update was to address advice received from the Highways Authority regarding the site. Officers recommended that the committee's previous resolution be amended to include further consideration of highway treatments for crossing the A420, a 25-metre buffer zone on the SSSI, and a Section 106 agreement. Planning permission for MW.0151/23 was to be approved subject to conditions determined by the Director of Economy and Place.

Land at Thrupp Farm, Radley

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the application for the determination of conditions for planning permission numbers DD1 and DD2 at Land at Thrupp Farm, Radley, Abingdon, Oxfordshire (Grid Ref: SU 51539 97065). This application relates to the review of old mineral permissions (ROMP) for the site.

The report highlighted a complex situation involving the potential loss of irreplaceable and priority habitats, including those within the Radley Gravel Pits Local Wildlife Site. The committee was asked to weigh these ecological concerns against the relevant development plan and national policy framework, the conclusions of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), statutory ROMP compensation provisions, and the financial implications for the Council.

Two options were presented for the committee's determination:

• Option A: Approve the application subject to conditions set out in Annex 4, but omit the condition stating that no development shall take place in areas of irreplaceable or priority habitats.
• Option B: Approve the application subject to the conditions set out in Annex 4, including the condition that no development shall take place in areas of irreplaceable or priority habitats.

The report detailed extensive consultation responses from various bodies, including Vale of White Horse District Council, Radley Parish Council, Radley Lakes Trust, the Environment Agency, OCC Ecology, OCC Landscape, OCC Archaeologist, OCC Public Health, OCC Tree Officer, Abingdon Naturalists Society, BBOWT, and Historic England. These responses raised numerous concerns regarding biodiversity, flood risk, groundwater protection, noise, traffic, restoration plans, and the legal interpretation of the ROMP process itself.

A significant legal debate had arisen concerning whether the original planning permissions (DD1 and DD2) had ceased to have effect in 2016 due to a failure to submit a ROMP application by the review date. Legal advice was sought, with differing opinions presented regarding the interpretation of Schedule 14 of the Environment Act 1995 and the case of Vattenfall. This legal uncertainty was a key factor in the recommendation to refer the application to the Secretary of State for consideration of a call-in.

The report also noted that if the application were determined and conditions were imposed that restricted working rights, leading to unreasonable prejudice, the Council could face substantial compensation liabilities, for which no specific budget was held.

The committee was presented with a revised recommendation to refer the application to the Secretary of State, given the legal complexities and significant ecological concerns. Should the Secretary of State decline to call in the application, the Director of Economy and Place would be authorised to determine the conditions, with amendments considered necessary to provide clarity on geographical areas, but without the condition restricting development in irreplaceable and priority habitats.

The meeting also included standard agenda items such as apologies for absence, declarations of interest, and the approval of minutes from previous meetings. Provisions for petitions and public address were also outlined.