Agenda item

Proposed driveway/dropped kerb. (As amplified by additional information received 22 June 2023)

The committee considered planning application P23/V1093/HH for proposed driveway/dropped kerb (as amplified by additional information received 22 June 2023), on land at 39 Wootton Village, Boars Hill, Oxford, OX1 5HP.  

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 the meeting. 

The development manager introduced the report and highlighted that the application sought permission for a new access and dropped kerb. The application had been deferred from an earlier meeting in order that a site visit could be carried out with the local highways authority in attendance to allow them to address any questions from the committee. The development manager confirmed that the construction of two houses on the plot was underway and that one access had been granted permission under the original application for these dwellings. The development manager advised that the proposed access and dropped kerb before the committee was to create a separate access for plot two on the site. She also highlighted that whilst there were currently high hoardings around the site this would be replaced with a 1 metre high stone wall.

The development manager concluded that the application was not harmful to highway safety or convenience or the character or appearance of the area and was therefore recommended for approval.

Gerardine Quaghebeur spoke on behalf of Wootton Parish Council, objecting to the application.

Tom Balance, the applicant, spoke in support of the application.

As councillor Val Shaw the local ward member was unable to attend the meeting due to illness, a statement objecting to the application was read out on her behalf by the democratic services officer.

The committee had conducted a site visit prior to the meeting. The committee asked for clarification as to whether the highways authority had revised their view on the application. The development manager confirmed that originally the local highways authority had objected to the application but following the submission of further information they had removed their objection. At the site visit the highways officer had confirmed that they had no highway safety or amenity concerns in relation to this application.

The committee enquired if there had been any indication that the bench which had been removed would be replaced. The development manager advised that the land where the bench had been situated remain in the ownership of Oxfordshire County Council and that an easement would be granted to allow access to the proposed drive from the highway. She went on to advise that in order for a bench to be placed on the land a license would be required.

A motion, moved and seconded, to approve the application was carried on being put to the vote.

The committee reflected that they had previously been inclined to refuse the application based on the plans and photos when the application was discussed at a previous meeting. However, having visited the site the committee had seen that many houses in the area had driveways and as such, this challenged the concerns it had had around highway safety and also the potential for harm to the character of the area. The committee went on to note that it was a shame to lose the amenity space but that this was not a reason for refusal.

RESOLVED: to approve planning application P23/V1093/HH, subject to the following conditions:

Standard:

1.  Commencement within three years

2.  Approved plans list

Compliance:

3.  Access, parking and turning in accordance with approved plan

Informative:

4.  Works within the Highway

5.  Works within the vicinity of the Highway Tree

6.  Neighbourhood Plan policies