The Head of City Development submitted a report (previously circulated, now appended) detailing an application for the demolition of an existing building, erection of a 5 storey building providing 3 x 3 bedroom and 6 x 2 bedroom flats, with 18 car parking spaces, cycle parking and bin store at basement level accessed from Hernes Road.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking the Nick Caldwell and Peter Uzzell, on behalf of the applicants, spoke in support of the development.

Resolved to refuse planning permission for the following reasons:-

1)     Having regard to its height, scale, mass and overall appearance, the proposal would constitute an overlarge, over dominant and incongruous development in relation to neighbouring residential properties which fails to strengthen, enhance and protect the distinctive suburban residential character of the locality, contrary to policies CP.1, CP.8 and CP.9 of the adopted Oxford Local Plan 2001 to 2016 and policy CS.18 of the adopted Oxford Core Strategy 2026;

2)     In the absence of any fully detailed justification for the non - provision of affordable accommodation for people in priority need, the development fails to meet the requirements of policy HS.4 of the adopted Oxford Local Plan 2001 to 2016 and policy CS.24 of the adopted Oxford Core Strategy 2026 which seek to address the need for appropriate accommodation for the homeless, the unemployed and those on modest incomes unable to afford market housing;

3)     With a provision of 2 x 3 bed and 6 x 2 bed flats the proposed development fails to meet the requirements of policy CS.23 of the adopted Oxford Core Strategy 2026 which seeks to provide an appropriate balance of dwelling types in response to the declining proportion of housing suitable for family occupation available within the local housing stock, and the delivery of mixed communities; and

4)     The proposed large balcony areas to upper floor flats would give rise to a loss of privacy by reason of overlooking of private gardens serving the adjacent residential development at 378 Banbury Road, contrary to policy HS.19 of the adopted Oxford Local Plan 2001 to 2026.