Issue - meetings

Refused against officer recommendation. Reasons to be set out in the minutes.

The Committee considered application 22/01340/OUT, an outline planning application (all matters reserved except means of access (not internal roads) from B4100) for the erection of buildings comprising logistics (use class B8) and ancillary offices (use class e(g)(i)) floorspace; energy centre, hgv parking, construction of new site access from the B4100; creation of internal roads and access routes; hard and soft landscaping; the construction of parking and servicing areas; substations and other associated infrastructure at Os Parcel 6124 East Of Baynards Green Farm Street To Horwell Farm Baynards Green for Tritax Symmetry Ardley Ltd.

Nick Barnes, Chair of Stoke Lyne Parish Council, addressed the Committee in objection to the application.

Emma Lancaster, agent on behalf of the applicant, addressed the Committee meeting in support of the application.

It was proposed by Councillor Parkinson and seconded by Councillor Rogers that application 22/01340/OUT be refused, against officer recommendation, as the proposed development  would result in substantial and harmful alteration to its appearance, character and visual qualities and the proposal was contrary to policies ESD13 and ESD15 of the Cherwell Local Plan 2011–2031, saved Policies C8 and C28 of the Cherwell Local Plan 1996, and Government guidance contained within the National Planning Policy Framework with the exact wording for reasons for refusal to be delegated to officers.

In reaching its decision the Committee considered the officer’s report and presentation, the addresses by public speakers and the written updates.

Resolved

That, contrary to the officer’s recommendation, application 22/01340/OUT be refused for the following reasons:

1. The proposed development, by reason of the exceptional height, scale, massing and expansive roof profile of the buildings, would introduce large and visually dominant structures that are wholly out of keeping with the established rural character of this part of the North Oxfordshire landscape. The site lies within open countryside characterised by traditional, undeveloped rural views and an attractive landscape setting, and the introduction of buildings of this magnitude would result in substantial and harmful alteration to its appearance, character and visual qualities. The development would therefore cause significant and detrimental landscape and visual harm, would fail to integrate with its rural surroundings, and would not protect or reinforce the intrinsic character of the countryside. As such, the proposal conflicts with Policies ESD13 and ESD15 of the Cherwell Local Plan 2011–2031, saved Policies C8 and C28 of the Cherwell Local Plan 1996, and Government guidance contained within the National Planning Policy Framework. The Local Planning Authority consider that such harmful environmental impact would substantially and demonstrably outweigh the benefits associated with the proposal.

2. In the absence of a satisfactory unilateral undertaking or any other form of Section 106 planning obligation legal agreement, the Local Planning Authority is not satisfied that the proposed development would provide appropriate transport infrastructure and landscape and ecological mitigation required as a direct result of the development, and which would be necessary to make the impacts of the development acceptable in planning terms. As such, the proposal is contrary to Policy INF1 of the Cherwell Local Plan  ...  view the full minutes text for item 92