New house plan ‘flawed’ and ‘incomplete’, says council

PLANS to construct a new house and garage in Tilebarn Lane have been recommended for refusal by Henley Town Council as the application is “too flawed and too incomplete”, writes Alex Carter.

Boddingtons Planning, the agent for the owners of Nicholas Farm Cottage, submitted plans to demolish the existing detached cottage and outbuildings to construct a new modern house and triple garage with a pitched roof.

The new dwelling, which lies to the north of Valley Road estate and within the National Landscape, would be larger in footprint and extend further back into the site.

SGN has objected to the application until a detailed consultation has taken place, as there is a high-pressure pipeline in the vicinity of the proposed work area.

Three residents spoke at a meeting of the town council’s planning committee objecting to the application due to the size of the development, the environmental impact and public safety on the single-lane track. Tracey Hayes spoke on behalf of Sara Bagshawe, who lives directly opposite the cottage.

She said: “The existing modest cottage is being replaced with a three-story mansion, five times its size, plus a garage that in itself is larger than the existing cottage.

“The large triple garage with accommodation presents a clear risk of being converted into a separate second dwelling contrary to policy to restrict new dwellings in the National Landscape.

“Crucially, the new structure will sit on land at least two metres higher than the current cottage. This combination of height and massing will create an overbearing and visually intrusive presence.”

Malcolm Hayes said the application had a number of errors and omissions, ranging from the certificate of ownership to the right of way.

He said: “The development site, as shown, includes a section of Tilebarn Lane, which we own, yet the certificate of ownership states that the applicant is the sole owner.

“High-pressure gas pipes are located within the claim development site and SGN formally objects and requires a proper consultation to take place before permission can be granted.”

He also raised concerns regarding the single-track private lane. He said: “Commercial vehicles often have difficulty entering and exiting the lane, particularly at times of heavy congestion on Valley Road.”

Annie Parker said: “I think it’s important that a tree survey is carried out, and I would also want to know the outcome of an arboricultural impact assessment.”

A statement by Henley Town Council said it considers the application as “overdevelopment in size and mass with too much glass” adding that it would cause an “unacceptable” level of light pollution in this rural location.

It said: “In addition, we are concerned at the lack of information and an acceptable Sewage Management Plan and Contaminated Land report and an acceptable response from SGN.

“As a result, Henley Town Council considers that this application is just too flawed and too incomplete as presented and recommends refusal.”

South Oxfordshire District Council will make a final decision by December 4.