Alexander Gilbert has received approval for his plans to build a house on land at the rear of Orchard Farmhouse, located in Orchard Lane, East Hendred. This site was previously occupied by the Morlands Bowls Club.
The planning committee of the Vale of White Horse District Council unanimously approved the scheme at their meeting on January 2. The proposal faced five objections and received support from three individuals.
The application was brought to the committee by Councillor Sarah James, who represents the Hendreds ward. Councillor James commented, “I asked for this to come to the committee. It used to be a bowling green. This application provided evidence the bowls facility is no longer needed, but there is much contention about this. Given the history of the site, I felt it was important it should be decided in public. My main concern is the impact on the conservation area. It will result in a significant change in character.”
The planning officers’ report noted, “Overall therefore in the balance, it is considered that the public benefits do outweigh the low-level of less-than-substantial harm and there is no grounds to justify refusal of the application. Planning permission is therefore recommended to be granted.”
Councillor Jenny Hannaby added, “It’s always difficult when the landscape changes, but I think this is good and time and effort has been put into this. I think two dwellings would be too cramped.”
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About the author: Toby is a senior reporter with a particular interest in covering planning and local government. He joined us recently after reporting for the Hampshire Chronicle for three years. Toby studied at the University of Brighton and can be found on X through the handle @JournoToby.
