Agenda item

Erection of  three two bedroom cottages and works there to.

The officer presented the report and addendum on application P15/V0179/FUL to erect three two bedroom cottages and associated works on land forming part of the existing garden and parking area of The Hatchet Inn in Childrey.

Consultations, representations, policy and guidance and the site’s planning history were detailed in the officer’s report which formed part of the agenda pack for this meeting.

Clare Collier, a representative of Childrey Parish Council, spoke in support of the application. Her speech included the following:

·         The application would provide 2 bedroom starter homes, which the village needs;

·         It would help secure the future of the pub; and

·         The garden is very large compared to the interior of the pub.

Nicola Middleton, a local resident, spoke objecting to the application. Her concerns included the following:

·         The pub would become less viable;

·         Loss of light; and

·         Flooding risk due to the building work being on a higher plot.

The committee considered the application, with advice from officers where appropriate; the discussion covered the following points:

·         The Conservation Officer statement cannot be overcome; and

·         It is dangerous to go against policy.

RESOLVED: (8 votes for; none against; and 1 abstention)

To refuse planning permission on application P15/V0179/FUL due to the following reasons:

1.    In the opinion of the local planning authority, the proposal by reason of its scale, extent, layout and proximity would have a detrimental impact on the setting of the Grade II listed buildings The Hatchet and Tudor House and would fail to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the Childrey Conservation Area. The less than substantial harm identified is not outweighed by any evidence of any public benefit resulting from the proposal. As such, the proposal is contrary to adopted Vale of White Horse Local Plan polices DC1, HE1 and HE4, the adopted Vale of White Horse Design Guide 2015, the National Planning Policy Framework and the National Planning Policy Guidance.

2.    In the opinion of the local planning authority, the proposal by reason of its significant reduction in garden amenity space and parking provision for use by the existing public house, The Hatchet Inn, would compromise the long term viability and functionality of the public house due to the restriction in available ancillary facilities. This would result in the loss of an important community facility, to the detriment or the social and economic sustainability of Childrey. As such, the proposal is contrary to adopted Vale of White Horse Local Plan policy CF5, the National Planning Policy Framework and the National Planning Policy Guidance.

3.    In the opinion of the local planning authority, the proposal has not provided evidence to demonstrate that the reduced level of parking would be adequate for the pub’s requirements. Without this evidence there is a risk of increased on-street parking to Stowhill and the surrounding area which would pose a risk to obstructing traffic, to the detriment of highway safety. As such, the proposal is contrary to adopted Vale of White Horse Local Plan policy DC5, the National Planning Policy Framework and the National Planning Policy Guidance.