Redevelopment of the existing site and alterations and extensions to existing buildings. Erection of new two storey wing; single storey cottage building to create 3 self contained units; single storey fruit store; single storey garage and workshop; 2no. single storey glazed cloisters; single storey extension to St. Joseph's Building; and changes to fenestration. Demolition of existing buildings along the southern boundary, associated landscaping and site works. (Amended description).

The Committee considered an application (19/00436/FUL) for planning permission for the redevelopment of the existing site including erection of new two storey wing; single storey cottage building to create 3 self contained units; single storey fruit store; single storey garage and workshop; 2no. single storey glazed cloisters and  changes to fenestration of St Raphael's Building. Demolition of existing buildings along the southern boundary, associated landscaping and site works.

The Planning Officer presented the report.  The consultation period for the application expired after the committee report was finalised. Additional comments, with no change from those already reported, were received from Oxfordshire County Council (Drainage and Highways), Natural England and Thames Valley Police (Secured by Design).

New comments were also received from The Oxford Civic Society. These were about the loss of views of Fairacres House and the Chapel; the functional quality of the building designs; and that the Convent should do more to address fears amongst the local community about the loss of green space.

The applicant, Sister Clare-Louise Marriott (the Reverend Mother) and Charles Darby, architect, were present to answer questions from the Committee regarding the application.

In response to a question about the proposed increase in the on-site parking provision by one bay the architect learnt that this was a rationalisation of the current on-site parking arrangements which were ad hoc and not limited to a designated parking area.     

In reaching its decision, the Committee considered all the information put before it.

After debate and on being proposed, seconded and put to the vote, the Committee agreed with the officer’s recommendation to approve the application.  The Committee was satisfied with the planning officer’s assessment that the proposed boundary treatments were acceptable in terms of the impact on the amenity of neighbouring properties.

The West Area Planning Committee resolved to:

1.    approve the application for the reasons given in the report and subject to the required planning conditions set out in section 11 of the report and grant planning permission; and

2.    agree to delegate authority to the Acting Head of Planning Services to:

·         finalise the recommended conditions as set out in the report including such refinements, amendments, additions and/or deletions as the Acting Head of Planning Services considers reasonably necessary.