Planning Response

Dear Sirs,

The Parish Council reviewed the planning applications at the meeting 2^nd September which was well attended by residents. It was noted by residents that the required site notices were not in an obvious position, being on the green some way in front of the building. Residents shared comments with council to aid the following response:

The Parish Council wish to OBJECT to the proposals for the following reasons:

The basis of the usage of the proposed 4 residential units is not clearly defined. Whether these would be available freehold, sold leasehold or retained as rental property is significant to the local area assimilation and residential amenity.

The plans show the development having a significant impact on the highway network with a reduction to the public footpath affecting the public amenity. The public right of way, shown on the plan as a narrow walkway in front of Stable Mews, but with a vehicle parked to the east of Stable Mews, and a boundary wall which would restrict the footpath for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The 4 dwellings show no waste bin storage which could also have impact of the public right of way.

There is currently no vehicular access from Butts Close at the back of the property. The area of Butts Close that abuts the proposed site is not an adopted highway, but a private frontage and access only to the private dwellings on Butts Close. Not currently access the Cartwright Hotel.

Waste bin storage appears generally inadequate which will result in a negative environmental impact. Used glass bottle storage also not being available in the small cellar. Bins will likely be forced out to the street on the Croughton Road.

With residential dwellings of this size routinely requiring 2 to 3 car parking spaces as a minimum allocation, the development would be expected to overburden the shown parking provision. Inevitably this will add unacceptable pressure to parking at the historic centre of Aynho. The reduced number of parking spaces shown in the inner yard may be sufficient for the 4 dwellings and managers apartment, but no provision is made for the Cartwright’s bar, restaurant and 4 retained bedrooms, which is expected to result in an increase in on-street parking.

The Parish Council would further COMMENT:

As a listed grade II property in the conservation area, being of significant heritage, and as a registered Asset of Community Value, any alterations must be sensitive to the local environment and community. The long-term retention of the village pub must be a major priority in considerations.

The proposal potentially diminishes an important asset by the demolition/conversion of the open plan facility on the west of the site (currently known as the Apricot Room) into part of the ‘Wagoner’s’ conversion.

There appears to be a loss of laundry facility to cater for the 4 retained letting rooms, with no provision for laundry storage on the plans.

The proposal has a lack of a pub designated smoking area or any garden/outside area, which would force smokers and maybe even drinkers in hot weather onto the footpath in front of the pub.

Regards
Alan Youel – Clerk
On behalf of Aynho Parish Council