The Planning & Regulation Committee of Oxfordshire Council is scheduled to meet on Monday 21 September 2026. The committee's agenda includes a discussion on the national scheme of delegation for planning functions and an application for the determination of conditions for planning permission at Thrupp Farm, Radley.

National Scheme of Delegation of Planning Functions

The committee is scheduled to consider a report from the Director of Law and Governance and Monitoring Officer regarding the implementation of the Town and Country Planning (Discharge of Local Planning Authority Functions) (England) Regulations 2026. These regulations introduce a mandatory national scheme of delegation for planning functions, which will reform how planning applications are determined. The report outlines recommendations for the committee to delegate the implementation of these arrangements to the Director of Law and Governance, in consultation with the Director of Economy and Place. It also proposes the appointment of nominated Members and officers to act under the regulations, and notes that the Council's Constitution will be amended to reflect these changes.

Land at Thrupp Farm, Radley, Abingdon, Oxfordshire

A significant item on the agenda is the application for the determination of conditions to which planning permission is to be subject for land at Thrupp Farm, Radley¹. This application relates to planning permissions DD1 and DD2. The report by the Planning Development Manager details a complex history involving previous committee decisions, legal opinions, and extensive public consultation.

A key issue is the legal interpretation of Schedule 14 of the Environment Act 1995, specifically concerning the deadline for submitting a Review of Old Mineral Permissions (ROMP) application. Legal advice obtained by the Council suggests that the permissions remain extant, allowing for the determination of conditions. However, opposing legal opinions have been provided, notably from Gregory Jones KC and David Forsdick KC, which argue that the mineral permissions ceased to have effect on 1 November 2016 due to the failure to submit the ROMP application by the statutory deadline. This jurisdictional question is central to the committee's consideration.

The application also involves significant ecological considerations. The site is identified as being within the Oxford Green Belt and is part of the Radley Gravel Pits Local Wildlife Site (LWS), containing irreplaceable and priority habitats. Concerns have been raised by consultees, including the Council's Senior Biodiversity Officer, Radley Parish Council, Radley Lakes Trust, and BBOWT, regarding the potential for significant harm to these habitats and species. The applicant's proposals for mitigation and restoration are contested, with objectors arguing that they do not adequately compensate for the loss of high-value habitats. The potential financial implications for the Council, in terms of compensation liability if conditions restrict working rights, are also substantial, estimated to be in the region of £6m to £8m.

The committee is being asked to consider whether the Council has jurisdiction to determine the application. If it is concluded that the Council does not have jurisdiction, the recommendation is to resolve accordingly. If the committee decides it does have jurisdiction, a further report would be brought to a future meeting to consider the planning merits and appropriate conditions.