The Development Management Sub-Committee of West Oxfordshire Council met on Monday 10 August 2026, where they discussed several planning applications. The committee refused an outline application for up to 80 dwellings on Common Road, North Leigh, due to concerns about overdevelopment and its impact on the village's character and infrastructure. However, they approved applications for two self-build dwellings in Kingham and alterations to the Grade II listed Coach House and Stables in Asthall. The committee also authorised officers to proceed with the statutory consultation process for the diversion of a public footpath in Shipton under Wychwood.

Land at Common Road, North Leigh

The committee refused an outline planning application for up to 80 dwellings on land at Common Road, North Leigh. Councillor Roger Faulkner proposed the refusal, citing concerns about the scale of development, which he argued was not limited as required by local policy, and the significant increase in housing in North Leigh in recent years without corresponding infrastructure improvements. Councillor Sarah Veasey seconded the motion, echoing concerns about the lack of infrastructure upgrades and the cumulative impact of development. The refusal reasons included conflict with policies regarding the scale and character of development, landscape impact, and heritage assets.

Hillside, Station Road, Kingham

The committee unanimously approved an application for the erection of two detached self-build dwellings at Hillside, Station Road, Kingham. Councillor Andrew Beaney proposed the approval, stating it was a sensible and straightforward application. Councillor Andrew Lyon seconded the motion, noting that while the Parish Council had raised objections, no one had spoken against it. Councillor Andrew Walker also supported the application, highlighting its compliance with design and landscape policies. An amendment was agreed to include a condition to manage noise and dust from stone cutting on-site.

The Coach House, Asthall

Two applications concerning The Coach House in Asthall were approved: a householder application for alterations and extensions, and a listed building consent application for similar works. Councillor Andrew Walker proposed approval, finding the application sensible and happy to support the officer's recommendation. Councillor Sarah Veasey seconded the motion. The committee noted that the proposed works, including the relocation of historic stable partitions and the construction of a lightweight link structure, were considered to result in a low level of less-than-substantial harm to the heritage assets, which was outweighed by the public benefits of securing the long-term use and conservation of the Grade II listed buildings.

Proposed diversion of public right of way, Shipton under Wychwood

The committee authorised officers to make a Public Path Diversion Order under Section 257 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 for a section of Footpath No. 343/7/10 in Shipton under Wychwood. This diversion is necessary to enable the construction of an agricultural storage barn, for which prior approval had been granted. Councillor Jan Lund raised concerns about the process and potential for the footpath to be relocated even if the barn was not built, but officers clarified that the current step was to allow for statutory consultation, and any objections would be considered by the Planning Inspectorate. The committee voted to approve the recommendation, allowing the consultation process to proceed.

Applications Determined Under Delegated Powers

The committee noted a report detailing applications determined under delegated powers. Councillor Andrew Beaney and Councillor Mark Walker expressed their thanks to the officers for their work in processing these applications.

Appeal Decisions

The committee noted a report detailing appeal decisions. This included the dismissal of an appeal for a retrospective change of use and erection of a garage at Field House, South Leigh, but the allowance of an appeal for a certificate of lawfulness for the garage's location. An appeal for eight affordable houses off Cling Clang Lane, Church Enstone, was also dismissed.

Site Visits

A site visit was agreed for Thursday 3rd September at 9:30 am to an outline application for up to 100 dwellings on the edge of Endstone off Lidstone Road. This visit will take place before the application is determined at a future meeting.