A planning inspector has dismissed an appeal that would have led to the construction of up to 117 homes outside of Banbury.

The appeal was made by Gleeson Developments Limited after Cherwell District Council refused to grant planning permission for the development of residential dwellings with associated gardens, parking, landscaping, services and infrastructure, as well as open space.

An inspector appointed by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government dismissed the appeal for two reasons.

The main issue related to whether the proposal represented sustainable development regarding the potential impact on the supply of housing as well as its effect on the character and appearance of the surrounding countryside.  Also the impact on a local non-designated heritage asset, Crouch Hill was considered.

The secondary issue centred on the absence of planning obligation, although a dated obligation was submitted after the close.

The inspector acknowledged the potential benefits of the proposed site, including the provision of direct and indirect jobs, the provision of public open space and proposals to improve public access to Crouch Hill.

It was also acknowledged that the site lies in Flood Zone1, involves no loss of high quality agricultural land and the area is not located in a conservation area or area of outstanding natural beauty.

For the purposes of this appeal, the Council accepted that it could not demonstrate a five year supply of housing land.

The application was dismissed and the inspector concluded that “there is no need to look at whether the provisions of the planning obligation meet the statutory tests set out at Regulation 122 of the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations”.