Conditions / Refusal Reasons
That the proposal would be contrary to policies G1, G2, EN1, EN4 and H1 of the Oxfordshire Structure Plan, policies G1, G3, G5, C1, C2, C6 and H6 of the adopted South Oxfordshire Local Plan, policies G1, G2, G4, C2, C3, C4 and H6 of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2011 Second Deposit Draft 2003 and advice in PPG3 and PPG7. The site extends to 0.45 ha and lies outside the main built up limits of Henley on Thames in an Area of Great Landscape Value and adjacent to the boundary of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The proposal to demolish the existing attractive and substantial dwelling and erect three large dwellings on the site would constitute an inappropriate and unacceptable form of development that would consolidate residential development beyond the built up limits of Henley, be intrusive in views from the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and which would have a form, density and layout that would appear totally out of keeping with its surroundings, detracting from the spacious sylvan character and visual amenities of Gillots Lane.
That the proposal would be contrary to policies G8 and C16 of the adopted South Oxfordshire Local Plan and policy C10 of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2011 Second Deposit Draft 2003. From the information submitted with the application, it is considered that the proposal would result in the loss of a number of the existing trees on the site which make a significant contribution to the visual amenities of the area.
That the proposal would be contrary to policy G10 of the adopted South Oxfordshire Local Plan and policy T1 of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2011 Second Deposit Draft 2003. The erection of three dwellings will increase vehicle movements to and from the site and intensify the use of a substandard highway network, detrimental to the safety and convenience of users of the highway.
That notwithstanding the fact that the proposal would fundamentally conflict with the Council's Housing and Countryside policies, the scheme would also be contrary to policy H7 of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2011 Second Deposit Draft 2003 in that the proposals do not provide the required housing mix in terms of the need for smaller two bedroom dwellings.