The Lowlands Area Planning Sub-Committee met on 8 September 2025, and addressed a range of planning applications, including approving a housing development in Blackditch, deferring a decision on a solar farm near Witney, and refusing an application for a dwelling in Eynsham. The committee also approved an application to vary conditions for solar panel installation at Carterton Leisure Centre.

Land South of the Paddocks

The sub-committee considered an application for the erection of a single detached dwelling and associated works at Land South of the Paddocks, Aston. The application had been deferred from the previous meeting to allow further consideration of foul water capacity in the locality.

James Nelson, Principal Planner, stated that the application site was on undeveloped land adjoining the built up area of the village. He added that the design was of a compact form, in keeping with the character of the Paddocks cul-de-sac.

The Parish Council had objected to the application, raising concerns including that the development did not comprise infill or rounding off, that it fell outside the existing built up area, and that it would be detrimental to the character and appearance of the Conservation Area.

Despite these objections, Councillor Liam Walker proposed the Sub-Committee approve the application as per officer's recommendations, seconded by Councillor Michele Mead. However, the vote fell with 3 in favour, 8 against and 2 abstentions.

Councillor Nick Leverton then proposed to defer the application to enable consideration of the sewage capacity at the site in light of known capacity issues in the area, seconded by Councillor Steve Cosier. This was carried with 10 votes for, 3 against and no abstentions.

Land (E) 431186 (N) 208772 Witney Road

The sub-committee considered an application for the construction and operation of a ground-mounted solar farm with battery energy storage system (BESS) and associated infrastructure on land off Witney Road.

James Nelson, Principal Planner, presented the application, noting that the site would be over six agricultural fields with access from Witney Road. He added that the proposed landscaping would include mitigation and fencing with panels set back for landscaping interventions to include green planting to act as a buffer.

Amanda Matthews and John Sutton spoke in objection to the application, raising concerns about the impact on the water system to Caswell House and the potential for chemical contamination from the control building in the event of a fire.

Michael Breslaw, agent for the application, addressed the Sub-Committee, stating that the land to be used was low grade agricultural land, that there would be a 79% biodiversity net gain from planting including woodland planting, and that the local parish councils would have a community benefit from the scheme.

The Principal Planner added that policy EH6 supports renewable energy applications, and that the proposed site would provide energy for 12,000 homes in the area.

Members raised concerns that not enough time was available to read a handout circulated by the objectors. Concerns were also raised about water safety and drainage issues, and the impact on the water source in the area if contamination occurred.

Councillor Liam Walker proposed that the Sub-Committee defer the application to enable further consideration of the potential water pollution concerns arising from the location and design of the proposed BESS facility, seconded by Councillor Steve Cosier. This was carried with 10 votes for, 3 against and no abstentions.

Unit 32, Bridge Street Mills Industrial Estate

The sub-committee approved an application for the erection of four apartments at second floor level with associated stair, lift and flood access, and demolition of an existing metal roof structure at Unit 32, Bridge Street Mills Industrial Estate.

James Nelson, Principal Planner, presented the application, noting that the site was currently used as a gym, studio and therapy centre. He added that there had been no objections from the Environment Agency, Highways, or the Conservation and Design Officer.

Anthony Pettorino, agent, addressed the Sub-Committee, stating that the merits of the application were that housing was being provided without using land.

Councillor Nick Leverton proposed the Sub-Committee approve the application in line with officer recommendations, seconded by Councillor Adrian Walsh. This was carried with 12 votes for, none against and 1 abstention.

Land (E) 441191 (N) 205720 Blackditch

The sub-committee approved an application for the demolition of the majority of an existing stable building and the erection of seven dwellings with associated works at Land (E) 441191 (N) 205720 Blackditch.

James Nelson, Principal Planner, presented the application, noting that the sub-committee had attended a site visit before the meeting to view the concerns raised at the last meeting. He added that the application was before the sub-committee due to objections from the Parish Council and 29 objections submitted on the Council's website.

Sam Cook, agent for the application, addressed the Sub-Committee, stating that in terms of the layout, design and scale the application met the requirements of the relevant policies in the Local Plan.

Councillor Steve Cosier, ward member, addressed the Sub-committee, raising concerns over parking spaces for visitors, increased traffic to the village, and limited public transport links to and from the village.

Councillor Liam Walker proposed the Sub-Committee approve the application as per officers recommendations, seconded by Councillor Andrew Prosser. This was carried with 9 votes for, 1 against and 1 abstention.

25/01031/S73 Carterton Leisure Centre Broadshires Way

The sub-committee approved an application for the variation of conditions 6 and 7 of planning permission 23/02420/FUL to allow the wording of the conditions to be changed to allow the installation of the solar panels and plant without submission of the arboricultural surveys and landscaping plans at Carterton Leisure Centre.

Clare Anscombe, Senior Planner, presented the application, noting that the application was made by West Oxfordshire District Council. She added that the original plan was for a decarbonisation scheme with planting and solar panels on the existing roof of the leisure centre.

Councillor Liam Walker proposed the Sub-Committee approve the application in line with officer recommendations, seconded by Councillor Nick Leverton. This was carried with 8 votes for, none against and 3 abstentions.

25/01338/ADV Unit 20 Woolgate Shopping Centre

The sub-committee approved an application for re-branding of fascia and hanging signs at Unit 20, Woolgate Shopping Centre.

George Matthews, Planner, presented the application, noting that the application was before the Sub-Committee due to being council owned land. He added that the existing sign was to be replaced due to a change in company name, from WH Smith to TG Jones.

Councillor Liam Walker proposed the Sub-Committee approve the application in line with officer recommendations, seconded by Councillor Rachel Crouch. This was carried unanimously.

Land West of Colt House Aston Road

The sub-committee refused two applications for the removal of condition 3 permission 22/03370/FUL and 24/01471/FUL to remove age restrictions on properties at Land West of Colt House, Aston Road, Bampton.

James Nelson, Principal Planner, presented the applications, noting that the applications were restricted to residents aged 55 years and over, and that the applications were before the sub-committee to remove both restrictions to allow the dwellings to become un-fettered.

Councillor Dan Levy proposed that the Sub-Committee refuse the application due to no changes since the removal, would result in loss separate in type of housing with identified need and not demonstrated, seconded by Councillor Adrian Walsh. This was carried with 9 votes for, 2 against and no abstentions.

25/00277/FUL 87 Moorland Road

The sub-committee considered an application for the change of use of land to extend residential curtilage and erection of a fence at 87 Moorland Road.

Clare Anscombe, Senior Planner, presented the application, noting that the site related to a strip of amenity land adjoining an existing dwelling in Witney.

The Parish Council had objected to the application, stating that it was contrary to policy OS2 of the WOLP as it would involve the loss of a prominent and highly visible pocket of open space that makes an important contribution to the visual character and appearance of the area.

25/00840/FUL Land (E) 428631 (N) 204548 Burford Road

The sub-committee considered an application for the change of use of a building for the storage of agricultural and commercial equipment at Land (E) 428631 (N) 204548 Burford Road.

Rebekah Orriss, Planning Officer, presented the application, noting that the application site adjoins the Lockhart Plant Hire site in Black Bourton but is separated by an established hedge.

The Parish Council had objected to the change of use as it contravenes the conditions of the original application ref 22/01024/FUL.

25/01129/FUL Land West Of The Nursery

The sub-committee considered an application for the erection of 1 self-build dwelling and garage at Land West Of The Nursery.

Clare Anscombe, Senior Planner, presented the application, noting that the site lies in the Eynsham Conservation Area and is a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

The Council's Conservation Officer had objected to the application, stating that the proposed development would harm the character, appearance and setting of listed buildings in particular St Leonards Church and associated structures, The Shubbery, Eynsham Abbey SM, and Eynsham conservation area.

Historic England also had serious concerns about this application on heritage grounds and the principle of development on the site.

25/01557/PN56 Windrush Leisure Centre

The sub-committee considered an application for the installation of a solar panel PV system to flat roof areas of the Windrush Leisure Centre.

Joshua McFarland, Planning Officer, presented the application, noting that the application was to be heard before the members of the Lowlands Area Planning Sub-Committee as the application is on behalf of the Council and on a Council Owned Building.

Applications Determined under Delegated Powers

The sub-committee received a report detailing applications determined under delegated powers¹.

Appeal Decisions

The sub-committee received a report detailing appeal decisions².

Progress on Enforcement Cases

The Chair confirmed the report for Progress on Enforcement Cases had been added to the agenda in error and a report would be presented to the Sub-Committee at October's meeting.