Conditions / Refusal Reasons
The erection of agricultural buildings are not inappropriate within the Green Belt. The building which is the subject of this application is not constructed designed, or used for agricultural purposes. In addition, insufficient evidence has been provided to demonstrate that the land on which the building is sited is in agricultural use. As such the development is inappropriate development and would not preserve the openness of the Green Belt and would fail to assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment, contrary to the 5 purposes of the Green Belt set out in paragraph 143 of the Framework. The development is contrary also to policies STRAT1 and STRAT6 of the South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2035 which seek to protect and enhance the countryside including the green belt and ensure that the Green Belt serves its key functions and restrict development to that deemed appropriate by the Framework.
The site is situated within an area where Great Crested Newt habitats are located. Great Crested Newts are a legally protected species. Development likely to result, either directly or indirectly to the loss, deterioration or harm to legally protected species and their habitats will only be permitted if the need for, and benefits of the development outweigh the adverse effect on the interests, it can be demonstrated that it could not reasonably be located on an alternative site that would result in less or no harm to the interests, and measures are provided, that would mitigate or compensate for the adverse effects resulting from development. Insufficient information has been submitted with this application to demonstrate that the development has not and will not result in harm to Great Crested Newts. The development is therefore contrary to policy ENV2, ENV3 and DES1 of the SOLP 2035, and paragraph 180(a) and (d), and paragraph 186 (a) and (d) of the NPPF.
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