Planning in South Oxfordshire

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Where possible new sports and recreation facilities should be co-located with other community uses and be well related to the settlements they serve, being sited within or adjacent to settlements. Where new, major facilities for outdoor sport are to be provided they should, as far as possible, be accessible by public transport.

Existing Open Space, Sport and Recreation Facilities

1. The Council will seek to protect, maintain and where possible enhance existing open space, sport and recreation, play facilities and land including playing fields to ensure their continued contribution to the health and well-being of visitors and residents. Development proposals that result in the loss of such facilities will only be permitted where: i) it can be demonstrated that alternative facilities of equal or better quality will be provided in an equally accessible location as part of the development; ii) the development is for alternative sports and recreational provision, the needs for which clearly outweigh the loss; or iii) an assessment has been undertaken which has clearly shown the open space, buildings or land to be surplus to requirements.

Open Space, Sport and Recreation in New Residential Development

1. New residential development will be required to provide or contribute towards inclusive and accessible open space and play facilities having regard to the most up to date standards set out in the Open Spaces Study including: • Amenity greenspace (including parks and gardens) • Allotments • Equipped children's play areas 2. New residential development will be required to provide or contribute towards accessible sport and recreation facilities, including playing pitches, having regard to the Council's most up to date Leisure Study, and Sport England guidance. 3. The provision of open space, sport, recreation and play facilities, and playing pitches is expected to be delivered on site, unless this is demonstrated not to be feasible. 4. Provision for the future long-term maintenance and management of the open space and facilities will be sought and must be agreed as part of the planning application.

Safeguarding Community Facilities

1. Proposals that result in the loss of an essential community facility or service*, through change of use or redevelopment, will not be permitted unless: i) it would lead to the significant improvement of an existing facility or the replacement of an existing facility equally convenient to the local community it serves and with equivalent or improved facilities; ii) it has been determined that the community facility is no longer needed; or iii) in the case of commercial services, it is not economically viable. 2. Appropriate, detailed and robust evidence will be required to satisfy the above criteria. The Council will require the independent assessment of this evidence. 3. Planning conditions or legal obligations may be necessary to ensure that any replacement facility and its ongoing maintenance is provided. Any replacement facility should normally be available before the original facility is lost. 4. A community facility or service may be essential, either because it is one of a limited number of that nature in a settlement or area, or is fundamental to the quality and convenience of everyday life in a settlement. This includes the protection of Public Rights of Way including bridleways and by-ways. If suitable alternative provision already exists, any facility or service will not be considered essential. * Facilities under Use Class F2 Local Community Uses (shops smaller than 280sqm and without another shop in 1,000 metres, a hall or meeting place for the principal use of the local community, outdoor sport or recreation locations, and swimming pools or skating rinks), Use Class F1 Learning and non-residential institutions, and the following Sui Generis uses: drinking establishments, cinemas, concert/dance/bingo halls, theatres.

Provision of Community Facilities and Services

1. Development proposals for the provision of new or extended community facilities and services will be supported, particularly where: i) they are located within or adjacent to the built-up area of an existing settlement; ii) they would clearly meet an identified local need; and iii) they are accessible for all members of the community and promote social inclusion.

New Open Space, Sport and Recreation Facilities

1. Proposals for sport and recreation facilities will be encouraged and supported in line with other policies in the Plan and Sport England guidance. Where possible new sports and recreation facilities should be co-located with other community uses and be well related to the settlements they serve, being sited within or adjacent to settlements. Where new, major facilities for outdoor sport are to be provided they should, as far as possible, be accessible by public transport. Provision for the future long-term maintenance and management of the open space and/or facilities will be sought and must be agreed as part of the planning application.

Existing Open Space, Sport and Recreation Facilities

1. The Council will seek to protect, maintain and where possible enhance existing open space, sport and recreation, play facilities and land including playing fields to ensure their continued contribution to the health and well-being of visitors and residents. Development proposals that result in the loss of such facilities will only be permitted where: i) it can be demonstrated that alternative facilities of equal or better quality will be provided in an equally accessible location as part of the development; ii) the development is for alternative sports and recreational provision, the needs for which clearly outweigh the loss; or iii) an assessment has been undertaken which has clearly shown the open space, buildings or land to be surplus to requirements.

Design Quality

1. All new development must be of a high-quality design that: i) uses land efficiently while respecting the existing landscape character; ii) enhances biodiversity and, as a minimum, leads to no net loss of habitat; iii) incorporates and/or links to a well-defined network of green and blue infrastructure; iv) is sustainable and resilient to climate change; v) minimises energy consumption; vi) mitigates water run-off and flood risks; vii) takes into account landform, layout, building orientation, massing and landscaping; viii) provides a clear and permeable hierarchy of streets, routes and spaces to create safe and convenient ease of movement by all users; ix) ensures that streets and spaces are well overlooked creating a positive relationship between fronts and backs of buildings; x) clearly defines public and private spaces; xi) provides access to local services and facilities and, where needed, incorporates mixed uses, facilities and co-locates services as appropriate with good access to public transport; xii) provides a wide range of house types and tenures; xiii) respects the local context working with and complementing the scale, height, density, grain, massing, type, details of the surrounding area; xiv) secures a high-quality public realm that is designed to support an active life for everyone with well managed and maintained public areas; xv) does not differentiate between the design quality of market and affordable housing or the adjacent public realm; xvi) is designed to take account of possible future development in the local area; xvii) understands and addresses the needs of all potential users by ensuring that buildings and their surroundings can be accessed and used by everyone; xviii) creates safe communities and reduces the likelihood of crime and antisocial behaviour as well as the fear of crime itself; and xix) ensures a sufficient level of well-integrated and imaginative solutions for car and bicycle parking and external storage including bins. 2. Where development sites are located adjacent to sites that have a reasonable prospect of coming forward in the future, integration with the neighbouring site should be achieved.

Design Quality

1. All development will be expected to achieve high design quality with components of all development that have a high design quality. Proposals should: i) respond positively to local character and site context, including the physical, visual and cultural heritage dimensions; ii) provide a wide range of house types and tenures; iii) respect the local context working with and complementing the scale, height, density, grain, massing, type, details of the surrounding area; iv) secures a high-quality public realm that is designed to support an active life for everyone with well managed and maintained public areas; v) does not differentiate between the design quality of market and affordable housing or the adjacent public realm; vi) is designed to take account of possible future development in the local area; vii) understands and addresses the needs of all potential users by ensuring that buildings and their surroundings can be accessed and used by everyone; viii) creates safe communities and reduces the likelihood of crime and antisocial behaviour as well as the fear of crime itself; and ix) ensures a sufficient level of well-integrated and imaginative solutions for car and bicycle parking and external storage including bins. 2. Where development sites are located adjacent to sites that have a reasonable prospect of coming forward in the future, integration with the neighbouring site should form part of the proposal's design. 3. Where the Council is aware that adjacent or closely related sites with similar delivery timescales are coming forward together, a coordinated, integrated and comprehensive masterplan will be required to be prepared across all the sites.

Promoting Sustainable Design

1. All new development, including building conversions, refurbishments and extensions, should seek to minimise the carbon and energy impacts of their design and construction. Proposals must demonstrate that they are seeking to limit greenhouse emissions through location, building orientation, design, landscape and planting taking into account any nationally adopted standards and in accordance with Policies DES10: Carbon Reduction and DES7: Efficient Use of Resources. 2. All new development should be designed to improve resilience to the anticipated effects of climate change. Proposals should incorporate measures that address issues of adaptation to climate change taking account of best practice. These include resilience to increasing temperatures and wind speeds, heavy rainfall and snowfall events and the need for water conservation and storage. 3. All new development should be built to last. Proposals must demonstrate that they function well and are adaptable to the changing requirements of occupants and other circumstances. 4. The Council will not refuse planning permission for buildings or infrastructure of an outstanding or innovative design which promote high levels of sustainability or help raise the standard of design, as long as they fit with the overall form and layout of their surroundings. 5. A sensitive approach will need to be taken to conserve the special character of designated and non designated heritage assets in a manner appropriate to their significance.

Delivering High Quality Development

1. All new development must be of a high quality design that: i) uses land efficiently while respecting the existing landscape character; ii) enhances biodiversity and, as a minimum, leads to no net loss of habitat; iii) incorporates and/or links to a well-defined network of Green and Blue Infrastructure; iv) is sustainable and resilient to climate change; v) minimises energy consumption; vi) mitigates water run-off and flood risks; vii) takes into account landform, layout, building orientation, massing and landscaping; viii) provides a clear and permeable hierarchy of streets, routes and spaces to create safe and convenient ease of movement by all users; ix) ensures that streets and spaces are well overlooked creating a positive relationship between fronts and backs of buildings; x) clearly defines public and private spaces; xi) provides access to local services and facilities and, where needed, incorporates mixed uses, facilities and co-locates services as appropriate with good access to public transport; xii) provides a wide range of house types and tenures; xiii) respects the local context working with and complementing the scale, height, density, grain, massing, type, and details of the surrounding area; xiv) secures a high quality public realm that is interesting and aesthetically pleasing; and designed to support an active life for everyone with well managed and maintained public areas; xv) does not differentiate between the design quality of market and affordable housing or the adjacent public realm; xvi) is designed to take account of possible future development in the local area; xvii) understands and addresses the needs of all potential users by ensuring that buildings and their surroundings can be accessed and used by everyone; xviii) creates safe communities and reduces the likelihood of crime and antisocial behaviour as well as the fear of crime itself; and xix) ensures a sufficient level of well-integrated and imaginative solutions for car and bicycle parking and external storage including bins. 2. Where development sites are located adjacent to sites that have a reasonable prospect of coming forward in the future, integration with the neighbouring site should form part of the proposal's design. 3. Where the Council is aware that adjacent or closely related sites with similar delivery timescales are coming forward together, a coordinated, integrated and comprehensive masterplan will be required to be prepared across all the sites.

Enhancing Local Character

1. All new development must be designed to reflect the positive features that make up the character of the local area and should both physically and visually enhance and complement the surroundings. 2. All proposals for new development should be informed by a contextual analysis that demonstrates how the design: i) has been informed by and responds positively to the site and its surroundings; and ii) reinforces place-identity by enhancing local character. 3. Where a Character Assessment has been prepared as part of a made Neighbourhood Development Plan, a proposal must demonstrate that the positive features identified in the Assessment have been incorporated into the design of the development. 4. Where there is no local Character Assessment a comprehensive contextual analysis of the local character should be prepared as part of an application. This should identify the positive features that make up the character of the area. The proposal must demonstrate that these positive features have been incorporated into the design of the development. 5. Proposals that have the potential to impact upon a Conservation Area or the setting of a Conservation Area should also take account of the relevant Conservation Character Appraisal.

Design and Access Statements

1. Where an application is required to be supported by a Design and Access Statement, this must demonstrate how the development proposal meets the design objectives and principles set out in the South Oxfordshire Design Guide. 2. The Design and Access Statement should be proportional to the scale and complexity of the proposal. It should include: i) a clear drawing trail that shows how the design of the proposal and the rationale behind it has evolved and clearly demonstrates that the design objectives and principles set out in the South Oxfordshire Design Guide have been considered at the outset and throughout the process and have been met by the final design; ii) a constraints and opportunities plan that clearly informs the design process and final design; iii) the delivery implementation phases and strategies to be put in place to ensure the timely delivery of infrastructure and services when they are needed by new residents; and iv) how consultation with the existing community and communities in the surrounding area has informed the design of the development.

Masterplans for Allocated Sites and Major Development

1. Proposals for sites allocated in the Development Plan, including sites allocated within Neighbourhood Development Plans, and major development* must be accompanied by a masterplan. For outline applications, an illustrative masterplan should be submitted. In all cases, the masterplan should: i) clearly set out the land uses proposed including the amount, scale and density of development, the movement and access arrangements and Green Infrastructure provision; ii) illustrate how the proposal integrates with the surrounding built, historic and natural environments, in particular maximising existing and potential movement connections and accessibility to prioritise walking, cycling and use of public transport; iii) be based on a full understanding of the significance or special interest of the historic environment as it relates to the site, including above and below ground archaeological remains and other heritage assets on the site or within the setting of which the site lies, and the conservation and enhancement of those remains or assets and significance or special interest; iv) define a hierarchy of routes and the integration of suitable infrastructure, including for example SuDS within the public realm; v) demonstrate a legible structure and identify key elements of townscape such as main frontages, edges, landmark buildings, key building groups and character areas; vi) be based on the principles of natural surveillance and active street frontages by demonstrating that streets and spaces are well overlooked and fronted by the main entrances of buildings which provide direct access to the street or space and that positive relationships have been created between the fronts and backs of buildings; vii) demonstrate as appropriate the careful siting of community facilities and other amenities to meet the needs of the existing and future community, including access to education/training facilities, health care, community leisure and recreation facilities; viii) demonstrates a clear link to the principles established in the Design and Access Statement and the South Oxfordshire Design Guide; and ix) demonstrate that it has been prepared with the involvement of the local community and other stakeholders and in consultation with the local planning authority. *As defined by the Development Management Procedure Order 2010.

Outdoor Amenity Space

1. A private outdoor garden or outdoor amenity space, or alternatively a shared outdoor amenity area should be provided for all new dwellings. The amount of land that should be provided for the garden or amenity space will be determined by the size of the dwelling proposed and by the character of surrounding development. Private outdoor sitting areas should not be overlooked by adjacent habitable rooms. They should also not be compromised by shading from buildings or shading, leaf litter and anxiety of established significant trees and hedges that would lead to future pressure to prune or remove these landscape features. 2. Proposals for new development should demonstrate that the size, location and character of gardens and outdoor amenity spaces have been considered as an integral part of the design and not as an afterthought. These spaces should not be compromised by parking areas or garages.

Residential Amenity

1. Development proposals should demonstrate that they will not result in significant adverse impacts on the amenity of neighbouring uses, when considering both individual and cumulative impacts, in relation to the following factors: i) loss of privacy, daylight or sunlight; ii) dominance or visual intrusion; iii) noise or vibration; iv) smell, dust, heat, odour, gases or other emissions; v) pollution, contamination or the use of/or storage of hazardous substances; and vi) external lighting.

The Amount and Distribution of New Employment Land

1. To facilitate the provision of additional office, manufacturing and distribution jobs between 2011 and 2035 a minimum requirement of 39.1 hectares of employment land will be provided. Employment land will be provided at the following locations: Net amount of Location | Site | employment supply (hectares) Didcot | Southmead Industrial Estate (Carried forward from Core Strategy) | 2.92 Milton Park (Within Vale of White Horse District) (Carried forward from Core Strategy) | 6.5 Henley-on-Thames | Sites to be identified in the NDP | 1.0 Thame | Sites to be identified in the NDP | 3.5 Wallingford | Sites to be identified in the NDP | 3.1 Hithercroft Industrial Estate (Carried forward from Core Strategy) | 1.09 Crowmarsh Gifford | Sites to be identified in the NDP (Likely to be at Howbery Park) | 0.28 Culham | Redevelopment and intensification of Culham Science Centre and Culham No.1 site with strategic allocation west of Culham Science Centre. 10 hectares of existing employment land at Culham No.1 to be retained within the comprehensive development. | 7.3 Chalgrove | To be allocated in accordance with STRAT7 | 5.0 To be allocated in accordance with EMP9 | 2.25 Berinsfield | To be allocated in accordance with the regeneration strategy | 5.0 Grenoble Road | Extension to Oxford Science Park, to be allocated in accordance with STRAT11 | 10.0 Total | | 47.94

Range, Size and Mix of Employment Premises

1. Proposals for employment use will provide a range of sizes and types of premises, including flexible business space to meet current and future requirements. The Council will support proposals for premises suitable for small and medium sized businesses, including start-up/ incubator businesses (up to 150sqm) and grow-on space (up to 500sqm). Proposals for employment uses will be considered against this criteria and the overall employment distribution strategy at EMP1.

Retention of Employment Land

1. Existing employment land will be retained in order to promote and grow a balanced, sustainable economy and local services. Proposals for the redevelopment or change of use of employment land to non-employment uses will only be permitted if: i) the applicants can demonstrate that any employment use is no longer viable; or ii) it is evidenced that there is no market interest in the site following one year of active and effective marketing; or iii) the development would bring about significant improvements to the living conditions of nearby residents, or to the environment. In assessing this, the Council will consider whether there is a realistic prospect of mitigating the detrimental effects of continuing employment use. 2. In addition to the criteria above, where there is no reasonable prospect of land or premises being used for continued employment use, a mixed use enabling development which incorporates employment space should first be considered. 3. Schemes that improve the stock of existing employment land, employment premises, commercial buildings and the environment of existing employment areas will be supported. 4. Through the monitoring of employment land gains and losses, the Council will record, and publish in the Authorities Monitoring Report, how much land the Council continues to need to meet the projected employment land requirements in the district. The Council will use this information to help determine planning applications.

Employment Land in Didcot

1. In addition to employment opportunities generated through the Didcot Garden Town Delivery Plan and the strategic allocations in this Plan, 2.92 hectares of employment land will be delivered at Didcot at the following sites located within Southmead Industrial Estate: • Site EMP4i: Southmead Industrial Estate East (2.66 hectares) • Site EMP4ii: Southmead Industrial Estate West (0.26 hectares) 2. A small part of site EMP4i is located within an area of flood risk. Employment uses are classed as 'less vulnerable', however comprehensive development of the site should be appropriate to the flood risk level.

New Employment Land at Henley-on-Thames

1. In addition to allocations in the made Joint Henley and Harpsden Neighbourhood Development Plan, at least a further 1 hectare of employment land will be delivered at Henley-on-Thames. This will be delivered through a review of the Neighbourhood Development Plan.

The Amount and Distribution of New Employment Land

To deliver a minimum of 39.1 hectares of employment land

Development in Rural Areas

1. Proposals for sustainable economic growth in rural areas will be supported. The Council will: i) support the sustainable growth and expansion of all types of business and enterprise in rural areas through conversion of existing buildings; ii) promote the sustainable development and diversification of agricultural and other land-based rural businesses; iii) support sustainable rural tourism and leisure developments that benefit businesses, communities and visitors in rural areas and which respect the character of the countryside. This will include supporting the provision and expansion of tourist and visitor facilities in appropriate locations where identified needs are not met by existing facilities in rural service centres; and iv) promote the retention and development of local services and community facilities in villages, such as local shops, meeting places, sports venues, cultural buildings, public houses and places of worship.

Tourism

1. The Council encourages new development to advance the visitor economy for leisure and business purposes. Proposals for such purposes will be supported as follows: i) within the built-up areas of the towns - larger scale developments including conference facilities, museums, heritage centres, hotels, guest houses and associated facilities for visitors; ii) within the built-up areas of the larger and smaller villages – smaller and proportionately scaled developments that are in keeping with the character of the settlement, including museums, heritage centres, hotels, guest houses, self-catering accommodation and associated facilities for visitors; and iii) at service areas on the main transport corridors - hotel accommodation. 2. Outside the above locations, small-scale development to support the visitor economy, including farm diversification and equine development, will be supported provided that proposals are in keeping with the scale and character of the locality and would not adversely affect heritage assets or their setting. Larger developments will only be supported in exceptional circumstances, for example to sensitively re-use a historic building, or to proportionally support or enhance enjoyment of a significant and established visitor attraction where this cannot reasonably be achieved from a town or village location.

Range, Size and Mix of Employment Premises

To encourage proposals for start-up/incubator businesses. To encourage proposals for grow-on space. To ensure all planning permissions are granted in accordance with the policy

Retention of Employment Land

To ensure all planning permissions are granted in accordance with the policy

Employment Land in Didcot

1. In addition to employment opportunities generated through the Didcot Garden Town Delivery Plan and the strategic allocations in this Plan, 2.92 hectares of employment land will be delivered at Didcot at the following sites located within Southmead Industrial Estate: • Site EMP4i: Southmead Industrial Estate East (2.66 hectares) • Site EMP4ii: Southmead Industrial Estate West (0.26 hectares) 2. A small part of site EMP4i is located within an area of flood risk. Employment uses are classed as 'less vulnerable', however comprehensive development of the site should be appropriate to the flood risk level.

New Employment Land at Henley-on-Thames

1. In addition to allocations in the made Joint Henley and Harpsden Neighbourhood Development Plan, at least a further 1 hectare of employment land will be delivered at Henley-on-Thames. This will be delivered through a review of the Neighbourhood Development Plan. 2. The review of the Neighbourhood Development Plan must be submitted to the Council within 12 months of adoption of this Local Plan. If the Neighbourhood Development Plan has not adequately progressed with allocating sites to meet these requirements within 12 months of the adoption of this Local Plan, planning applications for employment will be supported provided that proposals comply with the overall employment distribution strategy as set out in Policy EMP1 and the overall plan distribution strategy as set out in STRAT1.

New Employment Land at Thame

1. In addition to allocations in the made Thame Neighbourhood Development Plan, at least a further 3.5 hectares of employment land will be delivered at Thame. This will be delivered through a review of the Neighbourhood Development Plan. 2. The review of the Neighbourhood Development Plan must be submitted to the Council within 12 months of adoption of this Local Plan. If a Neighbourhood Development Plan has not adequately progressed with allocating sites to meet these requirements within 12 months of the adoption of this Local Plan, planning applications for employment will be supported provided that proposals comply with the overall employment distribution strategy as set out in Policy EMP1 and the overall plan distribution strategy as set out in STRAT1.

New Employment Land at Wallingford

1. Employment land will be delivered at Wallingford at the following sites located within Hithercroft Industrial Estate: • Site EMP7i: land at Hithercroft Road and Lupton Road (0.84 hectares) • Site EMP7ii: land at the junction of Whitley Road and Lester Way (0.25 hectares) 2. At least a further 3.10 hectares of employment land will be delivered at Wallingford through the Neighbourhood Development Plan. The Neighbourhood Development Plan must be submitted to the Council within 12 months of adoption of this Local Plan. If the Neighbourhood Development Plan is not adequately progressed with allocating sites to meet these requirements within 12 months of adoption of this Local Plan, planning applications for employment will be supported providing that proposals comply with the overall employment distribution strategy as set out in Policy EMP1 and the overall plan distribution strategy as set out in STRAT1.

New Employment Land at Crowmarsh Gifford

1. At least 0.28 hectares of employment land will be delivered at Crowmarsh Gifford. This will be delivered through the Neighbourhood Development Plan. 2. If the Neighbourhood Development Plan is not adequately progressed with allocating sites to meet these requirements within 12 months of adoption of this Local Plan, planning applications for employment will be supported provided that proposals comply with the overall employment distribution strategy as set out in Policy EMP1 and the policies within the Development Plan.

New Employment Land at Chalgrove

1. In addition to the strategic allocations at Chalgrove Airfield, 2.25 hectares of employment land will be delivered at Chalgrove at the following site: • Site EMP9i: Land at Monument Business Park (2.25 hectares) 2. The site has outline planning permission for employment use, part of which, approximately 0.44 hectares, has already been built out since 2011. Policy EMP9 safeguards this site for future employment growth.

Culham Science Centre

1. Proposals for the redevelopment and intensification of the Culham Science Centre will be supported where this does not have an unacceptable visual impact, particularly on the character and appearance of the surrounding countryside and the Registered Parkland associated with Nuneham House. 2. In combination with the adjacent strategic allocation (Policy STRAT9) this site will deliver at least a net increase in employment land of 7.3 hectares (with the existing 10 hectares of the No.1 site retained but redistributed across the two strategic allocations). The exact siting and phasing of the employment development must be agreed through the master planning and subsequent planning application process including addressing any heritage assets and their settings in accordance with Policy ENV6 and the NPPF. 3. Proposals for development on the site should seek to achieve a net gain in biodiversity. Any residual biodiversity loss should be offset through a recognised offsetting scheme. 4. Opportunities that support job growth and appropriate diversification or enterprise "clustering" will be supported to complement the wider development proposed in the area. Working proactively with the UK Atomic Energy Authority and development partners a masterplan for the site that facilitates this growth must be prepared and agreed with the Local Planning Authority. 5. Proposals will be expected to deliver low carbon development and renewable energy in accordance with STRAT4. 6. The Culham Science Centre is removed from the Green Belt and inset as shown on Land inset from the Green Belt Boundary (Appendix 4) to enable this development to be brought forward.

Carbon Reduction

1. Planning permission will only be granted where development proposals for: i) new build residential dwelling houses; or ii) developments including 1,000sqm or more of C2 use (including student accommodation); or iii) Houses in Multiple Occupation (C4 use or Sui Generis floorspace) achieve at least a 40% reduction in carbon emissions compared with a code 2013 Building Regulations compliant base case. This reduction is to be secured through renewable energy and other low carbon technologies and/or energy efficiency measures. The requirement will increase from 31 March 2026 to at least a 50% reduction in carbon emissions and again from 31 March 2030 to a 100% reduction in carbon emissions (zero carbon). These targets will be reviewed in the light of any future legislation and national guidance. 2. Non-residential development proposals are required: i) to meet the BREEAM excellent standard (or a recognised equivalent assessment methodology) ii) in addition development proposals of 1,000sqm or more are required to achieve at least a 40% reduction in the carbon emissions compared with a 2013 Building Regulations compliant base case. This reduction is to be secured through renewable energy and other low carbon technologies and/or energy efficiency measures. The requirement will increase from 31 March 2026 to at least a 50% reduction in carbon emissions. 3. An Energy Statement will be submitted to demonstrate compliance with this policy for all new build residential developments (other than householder applications) and new-build non-residential schemes over 1,000sqm. The Energy Statement will include details as to how the policy will be complied with and monitored.

Efficient Use of Resources

1. New development is required to make provision for the effective use and protection of natural resources where applicable, including: i) the efficient use of land, with densities in accordance with Policy STRAT5 Residential Densities. Proposals which seek to deliver higher quality and higher density development which minimises land take will be encouraged; ii) minimising waste and making adequate provision for the recycling, composting and recovery of waste on site using recycled and energy efficient materials; iii) maximising passive solar heating, lighting, natural ventilation, energy and water efficiency and the re-use of materials; iv) making efficient use of water, for example through rainwater harvesting and grey water recycling, and causing no deterioration in, and where possible, achieving improvements in water quality (including groundwater quality); v) taking account of, and if located within an AQMA, is consistent with, the Council's Air Quality Action Plan; vi) ensuring that the land is of a suitable quality for development and that remediation of contaminated land is undertaken where necessary; vii) avoiding the development of the best and most versatile agricultural land, unless it is demonstrated to be the most sustainable choice from reasonable alternatives, by first using areas of poorer quality land in preference to that of a higher quality; and viii) re-using vacant buildings and redeveloping previously developed land, provided the land is not of a high environmental value.

Renewable and Low Carbon Energy

1. The Council encourages schemes for renewable and low carbon energy generation and associated infrastructure at all scales including domestic schemes. It also encourages the incorporation of renewable and low carbon energy applications within all development. Planning applications for renewable and low carbon energy generation will be supported, provided that they do not cause a significantly adverse effect to: i) landscape, both designated AONB and locally valued, biodiversity, including protected habitats and species and Conservation Target Areas; ii) the historic environment, both designated and non-designated assets, including development within their settings; iii) openness of the Green Belt; iv) the safe movement of traffic and pedestrians; or v) residential amenity.

Efficient Use of Resources

1. New development is required to make provision for the effective use and protection of natural resources where applicable, including: i) the efficient use of land, with densities in accordance with Policy STRAT5 Residential Densities. Proposals which seek to deliver higher quality and higher density development which minimises land take will be encouraged; ii) minimising waste and making adequate provision for the recycling, composting and recovery of waste on site using recycled and energy efficient materials; iii) maximising passive solar heating, lighting, natural ventilation, energy and water efficiency and the re-use of materials; iv) making efficient use of water, for example through rainwater harvesting and grey water recycling, and causing no deterioration in, and where possible, achieving improvements in water quality (including groundwater quality); v) taking account of, and if located within an AQMA, is consistent with, the Council's Air Quality Action Plan; vi) ensuring that the land is of a suitable quality for development and that remediation of contaminated land is undertaken where necessary; vii) avoiding the development of the best and most versatile agricultural land, unless it is demonstrated to be the most sustainable choice from reasonable alternatives, by first using areas of poorer quality land in preference to that of a higher quality; and viii) re-using vacant buildings and redeveloping previously developed land, provided the land is not of a high environmental value.

Landscape and Countryside Protection

South Oxfordshire's landscape, countryside and rural areas will be protected against harmful development. Development will only be permitted where it protects and, where possible enhances, features that contribute to the nature and quality of South Oxfordshire's valued landscapes, in particular: i) Trees (including individual trees, groups of trees and woodlands), hedgerows and field boundaries; ii) Irreplaceable habitats such as ancient woodland and aged or veteran trees found outside ancient woodland; iii) The landscapes, waterscapes, cultural heritage and user enjoyment of the River Thames, its tributaries and flood plains; iv) Other watercourse and water bodies. The Council will seek the retention of important hedgerows. Where retention is not possible and a proposal seeks the removal of a hedgerow, the Council will require compensatory planting with a mixture of native hedgerow species. Development proposals should provide a net increase in tree canopy cover where this is possible, having regard to other considerations including site size, heritage protection, landscape character, habitat protection, residential amenity, and the need to make the best use of land.

Pollution - Impact from Existing and/or Previous Land Uses on New Development (Potential Receptors of Pollution)

1. Development proposals should be appropriate to their location and should be designed to ensure that the occupiers of a new development will not be subject to individual and/or cumulative adverse effect(s) of pollution. Proposals will need to avoid or provide details of proposed mitigation methods to protect occupiers of a new development from the adverse impact(s) of pollution. 2. Unless there is a realistic potential for appropriate mitigation, development will not be permitted if it is likely to be adversely affected by pollution. Factors can include, but are not limited to: • noise or vibration; • smell, dust, odour, artificial light, gases and other emissions; • air pollution, contamination of the site or its surroundings and hazardous substances nearby; • land instability; and • any other relevant types of pollution. 3. Opportunities to mitigate and/or remediate the impacts of pollution on the natural environment should also be considered wherever possible and related to a development. 4. Development on contaminated land will not be permitted unless the contamination is effectively treated by the developer to prevent any harm to human health and the natural environment (including controlled waters).

Pollution - Impact of Development on Human Health, the Natural Environment and/or Local Amenity (Potential Sources of Pollution)

1. Development proposals should be located in sustainable locations and should be designed to ensure that they will not result in significant adverse impacts on human health, the natural environment and/or the amenity of neighbouring uses. 2. The individual and cumulative impacts of development on human health, the natural environment and/or local amenity will be considered when assessing development proposals. 3. The consideration of the merits of development proposals will be balanced against the adverse impact on human health, the natural environment and/or local amenity, including the following factors: • noise or vibration; • smell, dust, odour, artificial light, gases and other emissions; • air pollution, contamination of the site or its surroundings and hazardous substances nearby; • land instability; and • any other relevant types of pollution.

Biodiversity - Protected Sites

1. The highest level of protection will be given to sites of international nature conservation importance (Special Areas of Conservation). Development that is likely to result in a significant effect, either alone or in combination, on such sites will need to satisfy the requirements of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended). 2. Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) are of national importance. Development that is likely to have an adverse effect on a SSSI (either on its own or in combination with other developments) will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances, where it can be demonstrated that the benefits of the development in the location proposed clearly outweigh any harm to the special interest features and the SSSI's contribution to the local ecological network. In such circumstances, measures should be provided (and secured through planning conditions or legal agreements) that would mitigate or, as a last resort, compensate for the adverse effects resulting from development. 3. Development likely to result, either directly or indirectly to the loss, deterioration or harm to: - Local Wildlife Sites - Local Nature Reserves - Priority Habitats and Species - Legally Protected Species - Local Geological Sites - Ecological Networks (Conservation Target Areas) - Important or ancient hedges or hedgerows - Ancient woodland and veteran trees will only be permitted if: i) the need for, and benefits of the development in the proposed location outweigh the adverse effect on the interests; ii) it can be demonstrated that it could not reasonably be located on an alternative site that would result in less or no harm to the interests; and iii) measures will be provided (and secured through planning conditions or legal agreements), that would avoid, mitigate or as a last resort, compensate for the adverse effects resulting from development. 4. Development resulting in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats (such as ancient woodland and ancient or veteran trees) will be refused planning permission, unless there are wholly exceptional reasons justifying the granting of planning permission. 5. Where development has the potential to affect a proposed wildlife site the developer must undertake surveys and assessments to determine whether the site meets the criteria for Local Wildlife Site status.

Biodiversity - Non-Protected Sites

1. Development that will conserve, restore and enhance biodiversity in the district will be supported. All development should provide a net gain in biodiversity where possible. As a minimum, there should be no net loss of biodiversity. All proposals should be supported by evidence to demonstrate a biodiversity net gain using a recognised biodiversity accounting metric. 2. Development proposals which would result in a net loss of biodiversity will only be considered if it can be demonstrated that alternatives which avoid impacts on biodiversity have been fully explored in accordance with the mitigation hierarchy*. In the absence of alternative sites or layouts, development proposals must include adequate mitigation measures to achieve a net gain of biodiversity. Where harm cannot be prevented or adequately mitigated, appropriate compensation measures will be sought, as a last resort, through planning conditions or planning obligations (depending on the circumstances of each application) to offset the loss by contributing to appropriate biodiversity projects to achieve an overall net gain for biodiversity. 3. Planning permission will only be granted if impacts on biodiversity can be avoided, mitigated or, as a last resort, compensated fully.

Watercourses

1. Development of land that contains or is adjacent to a watercourse must protect and where possible, enhance the function and setting of the watercourse and its biodiversity. As a last resort development should provide mitigation for any unavoidable impacts. 2. Development should include a minimum 10m buffer zone along both sides of the watercourse to create a corridor favourable to the enhancement of biodiversity. Where a 10m wide buffer zone is not considered possible by the local planning authority, (for example in dense urban areas where existing development comes closer to the watercourse) a smaller buffer zone may be allowed, but should still be accompanied by detailed plans to show how the land will be used to promote biodiversity and how maintenance access to the watercourse will be created. Wherever possible within settlements a minimum 10m buffer should be maintained. 3. Proposals should avoid the culverting of any watercourse. Opportunities taken to remove culverts will be supported. 4. Outside settlements, proposals for mooring stages will not be permitted. Proposals for posts, earthworks or facing riverbanks with piles and planking will not be permitted except under exceptional circumstances and in agreement with the Environment Agency. Where it is necessary to protect a riverbank from erosion, the protective measures must be designed to maintain and enhance the special character of the river and its environment, including its biodiversity. 5. Major development proposals which are located within 20m of a watercourse will require a Construction Management Plan to be agreed with the Council before commencement of work to ensure that the watercourse will be satisfactorily protected from damage, disturbance or pollution. 6. Sites for new development with existing culverts will be expected to investigate the feasibility of de-culverting the watercourse. Where bridges are proposed as an alternative to culverting, the construction method should take into account the importance of maintaining an obstruction free bank for wildlife.

Green Infrastructure

1. Development will be expected to contribute towards the provision of additional Green Infrastructure and protect or enhance existing Green Infrastructure. 2. Proposals should: i) protect, conserve or enhance the district's Green Infrastructure; ii) provide an appropriate level of Green Infrastructure with regard to requirements set out in the Green Infrastructure Strategy, AONB Management Plan or the Habitats Regulations Assessment; iii) avoid the loss, fragmentation, severance or other negative impact on the function of Green Infrastructure; iv) provide appropriate mitigation where there would be an adverse impact on Green Infrastructure; and v) provide an appropriate replacement where it is necessary for development to take place on areas of Green Infrastructure. 3. All Green Infrastructure provision should be designed with regard to the quality standards set out within the Green Infrastructure Strategy, or where relevant the Didcot Garden Town Delivery Plan. Consideration should also be given to inclusive access and contributing to gains in biodiversity, particularly through the use of appropriate planting which takes account of changing weather patterns. Where new Green Infrastructure is provided, applicants should ensure that appropriate arrangements are in place to ensure its ongoing management and maintenance.

Air Quality

1. In order to protect public health from the impacts of poor air quality: i) development must have regard to the measures laid out in the Council's Developer Guidance Document and the associated Air Quality Action Plan, as well as the national air quality guidance and any Local Transport Plans; ii) where sensitive development is proposed in areas of existing poor air quality and/or where significant development is proposed, an Air Quality Assessment will be required; iii) all development proposals should include measures to minimise air pollution at the design stage and incorporate best practice in the design, construction and operation of the development; iv) where a development has a negative impact on air quality, including cumulative impact, developers should identify mitigation measures that will sufficiently minimise emissions from the development. Where mitigation is not sufficient the impacts should be offset through planning obligations; and v) development will only be permitted where it does not exceed air pollution levels set by European and UK regulations.

Hazardous Substances

1. Development which involves the use, movement or storage of hazardous substances will only be permitted where a suitable and sufficient risk assessment has been carried out and identified control measures implemented to adequately reduce risk as far as reasonably practical to the health and safety of users of the site, neighbouring land and the environment. Development within the vicinity of an installation involving hazardous substances or activities will only be permitted if the impact on health and safety of occupants of that development is acceptable. The Council will seek to reduce the potential for conflicting land uses and promote safety of people and protection of the environment.

Waste Collection and Recycling

1. Development proposals for residential use must ensure: i) adequate facilities are provided for the sorting, storage and collection of waste and recycling; ii) sufficient space is provided for the storage and collection of individual or communal recycling and refuse containers; and iii) access is provided that is safe for existing users/residents and for refuse and recycling collection vehicles. 2. Development proposals for non-residential use must ensure: i) sufficient space is provided for the storage of communal recycling and refuse containers; and ii) provision is made that is adequate for the proposed use. The location and design of recycling and refuse provision should be integral to the design of the proposed development. 3. In assessing recycling and refuse provision, the following points should be considered: i) the level and type of provision, having regard to the above requirements and relevant space standards; ii) the location of the provision, having regard to the need to provide and maintain safe and convenient access for occupants, while also providing satisfactory access for collection vehicles; iii) the impact of the provision on visual amenity, having regard to the need to minimise the prominence of the facilities and screen any external provision; iv) the impact of the provision on health and amenity of neighbouring development and the proposed development; and v) the security of the provision against scavenging pests, vandalism and unauthorised use. 4. Recycling and refuse storage should be separate from cycle storage, car parking and key circulation areas. 5. Development will not be permitted if recycling and refuse provision that meets the above requirements cannot feasibly or practicably be provided.

Flood Risk

1. The risk and impact of flooding will be minimised through: i) directing new development to areas with the lowest probability of flooding; ii) ensuring that all new development addresses the effective management of all sources of flood risk; iii) ensuring that development does not increase the risk of flooding elsewhere; and iv) ensuring wider environmental benefits of development in relation to flood risk. 2. The suitability of development proposed in Flood Zones will be strictly assessed using the 'Sequential Test' and where necessary the 'Exceptions Test'. A sequential approach should be used at site level. 3. A site-specific Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) should be provided for all development in Flood Zones 2 and 3. In Flood Zone 1 a FRA should accompany all proposals involving: • sites of 1 hectare or more; • land which has been identified by the Environment Agency as having critical drainage problems; • land identified in the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment as being at increased flood risk in future; or • land that may be subject to other sources of flooding, where development would introduce a more vulnerable use. 4. All development proposals must be assessed against the current South Oxfordshire Strategic Flood Risk Assessment or any updates and the Oxfordshire Local Flood Risk Management Strategy to address locally significant flooding. Appropriate mitigation and management measures must be implemented and maintained. 5. All development will be required to provide a Drainage Strategy. Development will be expected to incorporate Sustainable Drainage Systems and ensure that run-off rates are attenuated to greenfield run-off rates. Higher rates would need to be justified and the risks quantified. Development should strive to reduce run-off rates for existing developed sites. 6. Sustainable Drainage Systems should seek to enhance water quality and biodiversity in line with the Water Framework Directive.

Minerals Safeguarding Areas

1. Minerals are a non-renewable resource, therefore to safeguard future potential extraction, development will be directed away from Minerals Safeguarding Areas. 2. Where development in Minerals Safeguarding Areas cannot be avoided, developers are encouraged to extract minerals prior to non-mineral development taking place, where this is practical and environmentally feasible.

Caravan and Camping Sites

1. Touring caravan and camping sites will be permitted provided that: i) the proposed development has no adverse impact on the landscape, ecological or historic characteristics of the site and its surroundings; ii) the proposed development would not cause any detrimental impact on the amenities of adjacent occupiers or the quiet informal enjoyment of the open countryside; iii) where appropriate, the site is accessible by public transport and provision is made for pedestrian and cycle links with adjacent areas; iv) where possible, associated facilities are sited in existing buildings; v) where new buildings are essential these must be designed to a high standard, be accessible to all and be sensitively sited; and vi) the site is located outside Flood Zone 3. 2. Where permission is given, it will normally be subject to a condition restricting the use to holiday accommodation only and the site may also be made subject to a seasonal occupancy condition.

Landscape and Countryside

1. The highest level of protection will be given to the landscape and scenic beauty of the Chilterns and North Wessex Downs Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs): • Development in an AONB or affecting the setting of an AONB will only be permitted where it conserves, and where possible, enhances the character and natural beauty of the AONB; • Development in an AONB will only be permitted where it is appropriate to the economic and environmental wellbeing of the area or promotes understanding or enjoyment of the AONB; • Major development in an AONB will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances and where it can be demonstrated to be in the public interest; and • Development proposals that could affect the special qualities of an AONB (including the setting of an AONB) either individually or in combination with other developments, should be accompanied by a proportionate Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment. AONB Management Plans will be a material consideration in decision making. 2. South Oxfordshire's landscape, countryside and rural areas will be protected against harmful development. Development will only be permitted where it protects and, where possible enhances, features that contribute to the nature and quality of South Oxfordshire's landscapes, in particular: i) trees (including individual trees, groups of trees and woodlands), hedgerows and field boundaries; ii) irreplaceable habitats such as ancient woodland and aged or veteran trees found outside ancient woodland; iii) the landscapes, waterscapes, cultural heritage and user enjoyment of the River Thames, its tributaries and flood plains; iv) other watercourse and water bodies; v) the landscape setting of settlements or the special character and landscape setting of Oxford; vi) topographical features; vii) areas or features of cultural and historic value; viii) important views and visually sensitive skylines; and ix) aesthetic and perceptual factors such as tranquility, wildness, intactness, rarity and enclosure. 3. Development which supports economic growth in rural areas will be supported provided it conserves and enhances the landscape, countryside and rural areas. 4. The Council will seek the retention of important hedgerows. Where retention is not possible and a proposal seeks the removal of a hedgerow, the Council will require compensatory planting with a mixture of native hedgerow species.

Pollution - Impact From Existing and/or Previous Land Uses on New Development and the Natural Environment (Potential Receptors of Pollution)

To ensure all planning permissions are granted in accordance with the policy

Pollution - Impact of Development on Human Health, the Natural Environment and/or Local Amenity (Potential Sources of Pollution)

To ensure all planning permissions are granted in accordance with the policy

Biodiversity - Designated Sites, Priority Habitats and Species

1. The highest level of protection will be given to sites of international nature conservation importance (Special Areas of Conservation). Development that is likely to result in a significant effect, either alone or in combination, on such sites will need to satisfy the requirements of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended). 2. Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) are of national importance. Development that is likely to have an adverse effect on a SSSI (either on its own or in combination with other developments) will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances, where it can be demonstrated that the benefits of the development in the location proposed clearly outweigh any harm to the special interest features and the SSSI's contribution to the local ecological network. In such circumstances, measures should be provided (and secured through planning conditions or legal agreements) that would mitigate or, as a last resort, compensate for the adverse effects resulting from development. 3. Development likely to result, either directly or indirectly to the loss, deterioration or harm to: • Local Wildlife Sites • Local Nature Reserves • Priority Habitats and Species • Legally Protected Species • Local Geological Sites • Ecological Networks (Conservation Target Areas) • Important or ancient hedges or hedgerows • Ancient woodland and veteran trees will only be permitted if: i) the need for, and benefits of the development in the proposed location outweigh the adverse effect on the interests; ii) it can be demonstrated that it could not reasonably be located on an alternative site that would result in less or no harm to the interests; and iii) measures will be provided (and secured through planning conditions or legal agreements), that would avoid, mitigate or as a last resort, compensate for the adverse effects resulting from development. 4. Development resulting in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats (such as ancie

Biodiversity

1. Development that will conserve, restore and enhance biodiversity in the district will be supported. All development should provide a net gain in biodiversity where possible. As a minimum, there should be no net loss of biodiversity. All proposals should be supported by evidence to demonstrate a biodiversity net gain using a recognised biodiversity accounting metric. 2. Development proposals which would result in a net loss of biodiversity will only be considered if it can be demonstrated that alternatives which avoid impacts on biodiversity have been fully explored in accordance with the mitigation hierarchy. In the absence of alternative sites or layouts, development proposals must include adequate mitigation measures to achieve a net gain of biodiversity. Where harm cannot be prevented or adequately mitigated, appropriate compensation measures will be sought, as a last resort, through planning conditions or planning obligations (depending on the circumstances of each application) to offset the loss by contributing to appropriate biodiversity projects to achieve an overall net gain for biodiversity. 3. Planning permission will only be granted if impacts on biodiversity can be avoided, mitigated or, as a last resort, compensated fully.

Watercourses

1. Development of land that contains or is adjacent to a watercourse must protect and where possible, enhance the function and setting of the watercourse and its biodiversity. As a last resort development should provide mitigation for any unavoidable impacts. 2. Development should include a minimum 10m buffer zone along both sides of the watercourse to create a corridor favourable to the enhancement of biodiversity. Where a 10m wide buffer zone is not considered possible by the local planning authority, (for example in dense urban areas where existing development comes closer to the watercourse) a smaller buffer zone may be allowed, but should still be accompanied by detailed plans to show how the land will be used to promote biodiversity and how maintenance access to the watercourse will be created. Wherever possible within settlements a minimum 10m buffer should be maintained. 3. Proposals should avoid the culverting of any watercourse. Opportunities taken to remove culverts will be supported. 4. Outside settlements, proposals for mooring stages will not be permitted. Proposals for posts, earthworks or facing riverbanks with piles and planking will not be permitted except under exceptional circumstances and in agreement with the Environment Agency. Where it is necessary to protect a riverbank from erosion, the protective measures must be designed to maintain and enhance the special character of the river and its environment, including its biodiversity. 5. Major development proposals which are located within 20m of a watercourse will require a Construction Management Plan to be agreed with the Council before commencement of work to ensure that the watercourse will be satisfactorily protected from damage, disturbance or pollution. 6. Sites for new development with existing culverts will be expected to investigate the feasibility of de-culverting the watercourse. Where bridges are proposed as an alternative to culverting, the construction method should take into account the importance of maintaining an obstruction free bank for wildlife.

Green Infrastructure in New Developments

1. Development will be expected to contribute towards the provision of additional Green Infrastructure and protect or enhance existing Green Infrastructure. 2. Proposals should: i) protect, conserve or enhance the district's Green Infrastructure; ii) provide an appropriate level of Green Infrastructure with regard to requirements set out in the Green Infrastructure Strategy, AONB Management Plan or the Habitats Regulations Assessment; iii) avoid the loss, fragmentation, severance or other negative impact on the function of Green Infrastructure; iv) provide appropriate mitigation where there would be an adverse impact on Green Infrastructure; and v) provide an appropriate replacement where it is necessary for development to take place on areas of Green Infrastructure. 3. All Green Infrastructure provision should be designed with regard to the quality standards set out within the Green Infrastructure Strategy, or where relevant the Didcot Garden Town Delivery Plan. Consideration should also be given to inclusive access and contributing to gains in biodiversity, particularly through the use of appropriate planting which takes account of changing weather patterns. Where new Green Infrastructure is provided, applicants should ensure that appropriate arrangements are in place to ensure its ongoing management and maintenance.

Air Quality

To ensure development supports improvements to air quality and meets the AQMAs standards

Hazardous Substances

To ensure all planning permissions are granted in accordance with the policy

Waste Collection and Recycling

To take the opportunities presented by new development to deliver a percentage increase of household waste sent for re-use, recycling or composting

Flood Risk

To ensure all planning permissions are granted in accordance with the policy

Minerals Safeguarding Areas

1. Minerals are a non-renewable resource, therefore to safeguard future potential extraction, development will be directed away from Minerals Safeguarding Areas. 2. Where development in Minerals Safeguarding Areas cannot be avoided, developers are encouraged to extract minerals prior to non-mineral development taking place, where this is practical and environmentally feasible.

Berinsfield Local Green Space

1. Land identified in Appendix 2, figure (ii), at the centre of Berinsfield is allocated as Local Green Space.

Green Belt

1. To ensure the Green Belt continues to serve its key functions, it will be protected from harmful development. Within its boundaries, development will be restricted to those limited types of development which are deemed appropriate by the NPPF, unless very special circumstances can be demonstrated. Very special circumstances will not exist unless the potential harm to the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness, and any other harm resulting from the proposal, is clearly outweighed by other considerations. 2. The Green Belt boundary has been altered to accommodate strategic allocations at STRAT8, STRAT9, STRAT10i, STRAT11, STRAT12, STRAT13 and STRAT14, where the development should deliver compensatory improvements to the environmental quality and accessibility of the remaining Green Belt land, with measures supported by evidence of landscape, biodiversity or recreational needs and opportunities. The boundaries of the reviewed Green Belt are identified on the changes to the Green Belt boundary maps (see Appendix 4). 3. Detailed amendments to the Green Belt made by the Wheatley Neighbourhood Development Plan must be in compliance with the requirements of the NPPF and the need identified within the Local Plan. 4. Where land has been removed from the Green Belt, new development should be carefully designed to minimise visual impact.

Science Vale Strategic Development Area

1. Within the Didcot Garden Town masterplan area the Local Plan will: iii) support the delivery of ambitious Green Infrastructure provision and plan safe, healthy and active spaces, supported by Policy ENV5; iv) focus on enhancing rail services to Didcot, complemented by measures to enhance Didcot Parkway station and improve access by sustainable modes of transport; vii) enable flexibility and resilience to plan for future changes, including… addressing climate change impacts… Proposals for development within the Didcot Garden Town Masterplan Area, as defined on the Policies Map and shown by Appendix 6, will be expected to demonstrate how they positively contribute to the achievement of the Didcot Garden Town Masterplan Principles (Figure 1)

The Didcot Garden Town

Transport and movement - The Garden Town will reduce reliance on motorised vehicles and will promote a step-change towards active and public transport through the creation of a highly legible, attractive and accessible movement network and the appropriate location of housing, employment and leisure facilities. The Garden Town will seek to improve opportunities for access to sport and physical activities through Sport England's active Design Principles. Cycling and pedestrian links between the Garden Town, its surrounding villages, natural assets and the strategic employment sites will be enhanced. Landscape and Green Infrastructure - New development in the Garden Town will enhance the natural environment, through enhancing green and blue infrastructure networks, creating ecological networks to support an increase (or where possible achieve a net gain) in biodiversity and supporting climate resilience through the use of adaptation and design measures. The Garden Town will also seek to make effective use of natural resources including energy and water efficiency, as well as exploring opportunities for promoting new technology within developments. Innovative habitat planting and food growing zones will characterise the Garden Town and, in turn, these measures will support quality of life and public health. x) a statement on how it is intended to achieve low carbon emissions and facilitate renewable energy generation x) low carbon development and renewable energy

Science Vale UK

Sites well related to existing towns and villages and served by public transport or with good accessibility by foot or bicycle to the town centres of Didcot, Henley, Thame and Wallingford or a district centre within Oxford City should be capable of accommodating development at higher densities. It is expected that these sites will accommodate densities of more than 45 dph (net) unless there is clear conflict with delivering a high-quality design or other clearly justified planning reasons for a lower density.

Chalgrove

viii) all necessary transport infrastructure, referring to the Infrastructure Delivery Plan, which is likely to include: c. improvements to the Public Transport network through significant contributions to new or improved services to include but not limited to increased frequency on the Chalgrove to Oxford bus route of four buses per hour to be supported by highway improvements on the B480 corridor, and an east west bus service linking Chalgrove to Didcot (and where feasible other employment and growth areas) with a target frequency of two buses per hour; d. links that encourage walking and cycling through the site and to adjacent employment and into the village of Chalgrove and to other local destinations by providing connections or improving the existing public rights of way network. ix) an integrated network of Green Infrastructure can be provided that both links wildlife habitats and enhances ecologically important habitats and open space provision as set out in the Infrastructure Delivery Plan; x) a scheme that delivers specific mitigation and management of surface water and runoff for the benefit of the existing village of Chalgrove; xii) low carbon development and renewable energy in accordance with STRAT4. vii) a layout that delivers higher density development (a minimum of 50 dph) in and around the local centre and along key public transport routes. viii) high quality walking and cycling routes within the site; ix) provision of infrastructure to support public transport through the site; x) a net gain in biodiversity which is integrated into the masterplan through the creation of priority habitats, and significant native tree planting, with any residual impacts offset through the ecological improvement of a named site in South Oxfordshire under the promoters control in line with an agreed management plan or a recognised biodiversity offsetting scheme.

Historic Battlefields, Registered Parks and Gardens and Historic Landscapes

1. Proposals should conserve or enhance the special historic interest, character or setting of a battlefield, or park or garden on the Historic England Registers of Historic Battlefields or Register of Historic Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England. 2. Any harm to or loss of significance of any heritage asset requires clear and convincing justification. Substantial harm to or loss of these assets should be wholly exceptional in the case of Registered Historic Battlefields and Grade I and Grade II* Registered Historic Parks and Gardens and exceptional in the case of Grade II Registered Historic Parks and Gardens. 3. Where a proposed development will lead to substantial harm to or total loss of significance of a designated heritage asset, consent will only be granted where it can be demonstrated that the substantial harm or loss is necessary to achieve substantial public benefits that outweigh that harm or loss. All other options for their conservation or use must have been explored. 4. A balanced judgment, having regard to the scale of any harm or loss and the significance of the heritage asset, will be required in assessing proposals affecting non-designated historic battlefields, parks and historic landscapes including historic routes. 5. Applicants will be required to describe, in line with best practice and relevant national guidance, the significance of any heritage assets affected including any contribution made by their setting. The level of detail should be proportionate to the asset's importance. In some circumstances, further survey, analysis and recording will be made a condition of consent.

Conservation Areas

1. Proposals for development within or affecting the setting of a Conservation Area must conserve or enhance its special interest, character, setting and appearance. Development will be expected to: i) contribute to the Conservation Area's special interest and its relationship within its setting. The special characteristics of the Conservation Area (such as existing walls, buildings, trees, hedges, burgage plots, traditional shopfronts and signs, farm groups, medieval townscapes, archaeological features, historic routes etc.) should be preserved; ii) take into account important views within, into or out of the Conservation Area and show that these would be retained and unharmed; iii) respect the local character and distinctiveness of the Conservation Area in terms of the development's: siting; size; scale; height; alignment; materials and finishes (including colour and texture); proportions; design; and form and should have regard to the South Oxfordshire Design Guide and any relevant Conservation Area Character Appraisal; iv) be sympathetic to the original curtilage of buildings and pattern of development that forms part of the historic interest of the Conservation Area; v) be sympathetic to important spaces such as paddocks, greens, gardens and other gaps or spaces between buildings which make a positive contribution to the pattern of development in the Conservation Area; vi) ensure the wider social and environmental effects generated by the development are compatible with the existing character and appearance of the Conservation Area; and/or vii) ensure no loss of, or harm to any building or feature that makes a positive contribution to the special interest, character or appearance of the Conservation Area. 2. Where a proposed development will lead to substantial harm to or total loss of significance of a Conservation Area, consent will only be granted where it can be demonstrated that the substantial harm is necessary to achieve substantial public benefits that outweigh that harm or loss. 3. Where a development proposal will lead to less than substantial harm to the significance of a Conservation Area, this harm will be weighed against the public benefits of the proposal. 4. Wherever possible the sympathetic restoration and re-use of structures which make a positive contribution to the special interest, character or appearance of the Conservation Area will be encouraged to prevent harm through the cumulative loss of features which are an asset to the Conservation Area.

Archaeology and Scheduled Monuments

1. Development must protect the site and setting of Scheduled Monuments or nationally important designated or undesignated archaeological remains. 2. Applicants will be expected to undertake an assessment of appropriate detail to determine whether the development site is known to, or is likely to, contain archaeological remains. Proposals must show the development proposals have had regard to any such remains. 3. Where the assessment indicates archaeological remains on site, and development could disturb or adversely affect archaeological remains and/or their setting, applicants will be expected to: i) submit an appropriate archaeological desk-based assessment; or ii) undertake a field evaluation (conducted by a suitably qualified archaeological organisation), where necessary. 4. Nationally important archaeological remains (whether scheduled or demonstrably of equivalent significance) should be preserved in situ. Non-designated archaeological sites or deposits of significance equal to that of a nationally important monument will be assessed as though those sites or deposits are designated. 5. Where a proposed development will lead to substantial harm to or total loss of significance of such remains consent will only be permitted where it can be demonstrated that the substantial harm or loss is necessary to achieve substantial public benefits that outweigh that harm or loss. 6. Where a development proposal will lead to less than substantial harm to the significance of such remains, this harm will be weighed against the public benefits of the proposal. 7. For other archaeological remains, the effect of a development proposal on the significance of the remains, either directly or indirectly, will be taken into account in determining the application. 8. In exceptional cases, where harm to or loss of significance to the asset is considered to be justified, the harm should be minimised, and mitigated by a programme of archaeological investigation, including excavation, recording and analysis. Planning permission will not be granted until this programme has been submitted to, and approved by, the Council and development should not commence until these works have been satisfactorily undertaken by an appropriately qualified organisation. The results and analysis of findings subsequent to the investigation should be published and made available to the relevant local and county authorities.

Historic Battlefields, Registered Park and Gardens and Historic Landscapes

To ensure all planning permissions are granted in accordance with the policy

Historic Environment

1. Proposals for new development that may affect designated and non-designated heritage assets should take account of the desirability of sustaining and enhancing the significance of those assets and putting them to viable uses consistent with their conservation. Heritage assets include statutorily designated Scheduled Monuments, Listed Buildings or structures, Conservation Areas, Registered Parks and Gardens, Registered Battlefields, archaeology of national and local interest and non-designated buildings, structures or historic landscapes that contribute to local historic and architectural interest of the district's historic environment, and also includes those heritage assets listed by the Oxfordshire Historic Environmental Record. 2. Proposals for new development should be sensitively designed and should not cause harm to the historic environment. Proposals that have an impact on heritage assets (designated and non-designated) will be supported particularly where they: i) conserve or enhance the significance of the heritage asset and settings. The more important the heritage asset, the greater the weight that will be given to its conservation; ii) make a positive contribution to local character and distinctiveness (through high standards of design, reflecting its significance, including through the use of appropriate materials and construction techniques); iii) make a positive contribution towards wider public benefits; iv) provide a viable future use for a heritage asset that is consistent with the conservation of its significance; and/or v) protect a heritage asset that is currently at risk. 3. Non-designated heritage assets, where identified through local or neighbourhood plan-making, Conservation Area Appraisal or review or through the planning application process, will be recognised as heritage assets in accordance with national guidance and any local criteria. Development proposals that directly or indirectly affect the significance of a non-designated heritage asset will be determined with regard to the scale of any harm or loss and the significance of the asset. 4. Applicants will be required to describe, in line with best practice and relevant national guidance, the significance of any heritage assets affected including any contribution made by their setting. The level of detail should be proportionate to the asset's importance. In some circumstances further survey, analysis and/or recording will be made a condition of consent. 5. Particular encouragement will be given to schemes that will help secure the long term conservation of vacant and under-used buildings and bring them back into appropriate use. 6. Alterations to historic buildings, for example to improve energy efficiency, should respect the integrity of the historic environment and the character and significance of the building.

Listed Buildings

1. Proposals for development, including change of use, that involve any alteration of, addition to or partial demolition of a listed building or within the curtilage of, or affecting the setting of a listed building will be expected to: i) conserve, enhance or better reveal those elements which contribute to the heritage significance and/or its setting; ii) respect any features of special architectural or historic interest, including, where relevant, the historic curtilage or context, such as burgage plots, or its value within a group and/or its setting, such as the importance of a street frontage or traditional shopfronts; and iii) be sympathetic to the listed building and its setting in terms of its siting, size, scale, height, alignment, materials and finishes (including colour and texture), design and form, in order to retain the special interest that justifies its designation through appropriate design, with regard to the South Oxfordshire Design Guide. 2. Development proposals affecting the significance of a listed building or its setting that will lead to substantial harm or total loss of significance will be refused unless it can be demonstrated that the substantial harm or loss is necessary to achieve substantial public benefits that demonstrably outweigh that harm or loss or where the applicant can demonstrate that: i) the nature of the heritage asset prevents all reasonable uses of the site; and ii) no viable use of the heritage asset itself can be found in the medium term through appropriate marketing that will enable its conservation; and iii) conservation by grant-funding or some form of not for profit, charitable or public ownership is demonstrably not possible; and iv) the harm or loss is outweighed by the benefit of bringing the site back into use. 3. Development proposals that would result in less than substantial harm to the significance of a listed building will be expected to: i) minimise harm and avoid adverse impacts, and provide justification for any adverse impacts, harm or loss of significance; ii) identify any demonstrable public benefits or exceptional circumstances in relation to the development proposed; and iii) investigate and record changes or loss of fabric, features, objects or remains, both known and unknown, in a manner proportionate to the importance of the change or loss, and to make this information publicly accessible. 4. Changes of use will be supported where it can be demonstrated that the new use can be accommodated without any adverse effect on the significance of the building and its setting.

Conservation Areas

1. Proposals for development within or affecting the setting of a Conservation Area must conserve or enhance its special interest, character, setting and appearance. Development will be expected to: i) contribute to the Conservation Area's special interest and its relationship within its setting. The special characteristics of the Conservation Area (such as existing walls, buildings, trees, hedges, burgage plots, traditional shopfronts and signs, farm groups, medieval townscapes, archaeological features, historic routes etc.) should be preserved; ii) take into account important views within, into or out of the Conservation Area and show that these would be retained and unharmed; iii) respect the local character and distinctiveness of the Conservation Area in terms of the development's: siting; size; scale; height; alignment; materials and finishes (including colour and texture); proportions; design; and form and should have regard to the South Oxfordshire Design Guide and any relevant Conservation Area Character Appraisal; iv) be sympathetic to the original curtilage of buildings and pattern of development

Archaeology and Scheduled Monuments

To ensure all planning permissions are granted in accordance with the policy

Residential development on sites not allocated in the Development Plan

Residential development on sites not allocated in the Development Plan will only be permitted where: i) it is for affordable housing on a rural exception site or entry level housing scheme; or ii) it is for specialist housing for older people in locations with good access to public transport and local facilities; or iii) it is development within the existing built-up areas of Towns and Larger Villages as defined in the settlement hierarchy (shown in Appendix 7); provided an important open space of public, environmental, historical or ecological value is not lost, nor an important public view harmed; or iv) it is infilling, and brownfield sites within Smaller and Other Villages as defined in the settlement hierarchy; or v) it is brought forward through a Community Right to Build Order; or vi) there are other specific exceptions/circumstances defined in a Neighbourhood Development Plan and/or Neighbourhood Development Orders; or vii) it would bring redundant or disused buildings into residential use and would enhance its immediate surroundings; or viii) the design is outstanding or innovative and of exceptional quality and would significantly enhance its immediate setting.

Exception Sites and Entry Level Housing Schemes

1. Small-scale affordable housing schemes will be permitted outside settlements, provided that: i) it can be demonstrated that all the proposed dwellings meet a particular local need that cannot be accommodated in any other way; ii) there are satisfactory arrangements to ensure that the benefits of affordable housing remain in perpetuity and that the dwellings remain available for local people; iii) they have no unacceptable impact on amenity, character and appearance, environment or highways; and iv) they do not form an isolated development and have access to local services and facilities. 2. Planning obligations will be sought before planning permission is issued to ensure that the above conditions are met. 3. Small-scale entry-level housing schemes will be permitted adjacent to existing settlements when the need for such homes is not already being met within the district provided that they are: i) suitable for first time buyers or those looking to rent their first home; ii) proportionate in scale to the settlement, cumulatively no larger than 1 hectare in size or exceeding 5% of the size of the existing settlement; iii) generating no unacceptable impact on amenity, character and appearance, environment or highways; and iv) located outside Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty or land designated as Green Belt.

Housing Mix

1. A mix of dwelling types and sizes to meet the needs of current and future households will be sought on all new residential developments. 2. All affordable housing and at least 15% of market housing on sites of 10 dwellings or more should be designed to meet the standards of Part M (4) Category 2: accessible and adaptable dwellings (or any replacement standards). 3. At least 5% of affordable housing dwellings should be designed to the standards of Part M (4) Category 3: wheelchair accessible dwellings. 4. All affordable housing and 1 and 2 bed market housing dwellings should be designed to meet the Nationally Described Space Standards. 5. The mix of housing should have regard to the Council's latest evidence and Neighbourhood Development Plan evidence for the relevant area.

Backland and Infill Development and Redevelopment

1. Within Smaller Villages and Other Villages, development should be limited to infill and the redevelopment of previously developed land or buildings. 2. Infill development is defined as the filling of a small gap in an otherwise continuous built-up frontage or on other sites within settlements where the site is closely surrounded by buildings. The scale of infill should be appropriate to its location. 3. Where a proposal encompasses residential development of land behind an existing frontage or placing of further dwelling/s behind existing dwelling/s within the existing site, the proposals should demonstrate that: i) the privacy of existing and future residents will be protected; ii) means of access can be appropriately secured; and iii) development would not extend the built limits of the settlement.

Sub-division and Conversion to Multiple Occupation

1. The sub-division of dwellings and conversions to multiple occupation will be permitted provided that the development: i) would not harm the amenity of the occupants of nearby properties; and ii) is appropriate in terms of the size of the property and the proposed internal layout, access, private amenity space and car parking provision.

Replacement Dwellings

1. Proposals for the replacement of an existing dwelling located outside the built-up areas of settlements will be permitted provided that: i) the residential use of the existing dwelling has not been abandoned; ii) the existing dwelling is not subject to a temporary or time limited planning permission; iv) within the Green Belt, the proposed replacement dwelling is not materially larger than the dwelling it replaces*; and v) the proposal can demonstrate that satisfactory vehicular access and parking arrangements and adequate amenity areas are retained for the replacement dwelling. * External garages and outbuildings will not be included in this calculation.

Rural Workers' Dwellings

1. The provision of a rural worker dwelling in the open countryside will be permitted provided that: i) it is essential, and can be demonstrated there is an existing need for one or more permanent full time workers to be readily available at all times for the rural enterprise to operate viably; ii) the functional need cannot be met by other suitable available existing dwellings in the locality of the rural enterprise; iii) the rural enterprise is economically sustainable, has been established for at least 3 years and is likely to remain financially viable for the foreseeable future; iv) the size and scale of the dwelling is proportional with the needs of the rural enterprise; and v) it respects the landscape, rural character, and its rural locality. 2. If a rural worker dwelling is essential to support a new rural enterprise it should be provided temporarily by a caravan, a wooden structure which can easily be dismantled, or other temporary accommodation for the first three years. 3. Planning permission will be subject to an appropriate occupancy condition, restricting its occupation to a person who is directly employed on a permanent full time basis and their family.

Extensions to Dwellings

1. Extensions to dwellings or the erection and extension of ancillary buildings within the curtilage of a dwelling, will be permitted provided that: i) within the Green Belt the extension or the alteration of a building does not result in disproportionate additions over and above the size of the original* building; ii) adequate and satisfac

Housing in the Towns of Henley-on-Thames, Thame and Wallingford

1. A minimum housing requirement of 3,873 homes will be collectively delivered in the towns of Henley-on-Thames, Thame and Wallingford as follows: i) Henley-on-Thames: at least 1,285 homes ii) Thame: at least 1,518 homes iii) Wallingford: at least 1,070 homes 2. Neighbourhood Development Plans for the market towns should seek to meet demonstrable local needs, for example for specialist or affordable housing, even where this would result in housing provision in excess of the outstanding requirement shown in Table 4d. 3. Land within the allocation at West of Wallingford will be developed to deliver approximately 555 new homes. Proposals will be expected to deliver: i) Access from the western bypass, with no vehicular access provided through Queen's Avenue and the discouragement of traffic from entering the Wallingford AQMA; ii) The western and southern boundaries are reinforced with significant landscape buffers, with no built development along the western boundary adjacent to the bypass. 4. If a Neighbourhood Development Plan has not adequately progressed with allocating sites* to meet these requirements within 12 months of adoption of this Local Plan, planning applications for housing in that market town will be supported provided that proposals comply with the remainder of the policies in this Development Plan.

Housing in the Larger Villages

1. A housing requirement of 257 homes will be collectively delivered through Neighbourhood Development Plans and Local Plan site allocations at the Larger Villages as follows: • 46 homes at Nettlebed • 96 homes at Sonning Common • 115 homes at Woodcote 2. If a Neighbourhood Development Plan has not adequately progressed with allocating sites* to meet these requirements within 12 months of adoption of this Local Plan, planning applications for housing in that Larger Village will be supported provided that proposals comply with the remainder of the policies in this Development Plan. * the Plan has reached submission stage and has allocated sufficient housing sites.

Land to the West of Priest Close, Nettlebed

1. This allocation will be expected to deliver: i) a residential development of approximately 11 dwellings; ii) a scheme of an appropriate scale and form with landscaping that conserves and enhances the AONB; iii) appropriate and safe means of access; and iv) a scheme that protects existing landscape features, including existing boundary vegetation, and any ecological constraints.

Joyce Grove, Nettlebed

1. This allocation will be expected to deliver: i) a residential development of approximately 20 dwellings wholly within the existing listed building and associated buildings; ii) a scheme of an appropriate scale and layout in a form that respects the listed building and its setting; and iii) appropriate and safe means of access.

Land to the South and West of Nettlebed Service Station

1. This allocation will be expected to deliver: i) a residential development of approximately 15 dwellings; ii) a scheme of an appropriate scale and form including relevant landscaping to minimise the impact on the AONB; and iii) appropriate and safe means of access.

Housing in the Smaller Villages

1. The Council will support development within the Smaller Villages in accordance with Policy H16. Where a Parish Council wishes to prepare a Neighbourhood Development Plan and make housing allocations within it to support further growth, the Council will support this. 2. Those Neighbourhood Development Plans will need to demonstrate that the level of growth they are planning for is commensurate to the scale and character of their village, and this is expected to be around a 5% to 10% increase in dwellings above the number of dwellings in the village in the 2011 census (minus any completions since 1 April 2011). 3. Neighbourhood Development Plans allocating sites on greenfield sites in these locations should consider how development can meet the bespoke needs of their village, including housing mix, tenure and the amount of affordable housing.

Affordable Housing

1. The Council will seek affordable housing contributions in accordance with the criteria set out below: • 40% affordable housing on all sites with a net gain of 10 or more dwellings (Use Class C3) or where the site has an area of 0.5 hectares or more; and • 40% affordable housing in respect of all developments within Use Class C2 where the site is delivering a net gain of 10 or more self-contained units; and • within the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB): 40% affordable housing on all sites with a net gain of five or more dwellings or where the site has an area of 0.5 hectares or more. For proposals of less than 10 homes in the AONB, this will be sought as a financial contribution; and • on sites adjacent to Oxford City: 50% affordable housing on all sites with a net gain of 10 or where the site has an area of 0.5 hectares or more. 2. Proposals where affordable housing is required should have regard to the following: i) in circumstances where it can be adequately demonstrated that the level of affordable housing being sought would be unviable, alternative tenure mixes and levels of affordable housing provision, may be considered; ii) in cases where the 40% calculation provides a part dwelling, a financial contribution will be sought equivalent to that part residential unit; iii) the Council will expect a tenure mix of 40% affordable rented, 35% social rented and 25% other affordable routes to home ownership with the exception of Land at Berinsfield Garden Village (see specific tenure considerations in Policy STRAT10i); iv) with the exception of part dwellings, the affordable housing should be provided on site and the affordable housing should be mixed with the market housing; v) the affordable housing should meet required standards and should be of a size and type which meets the requirements of those in housing need; vi) affordable housing should be indistinguishable in appearance from market housing on site and distributed evenly across the site, with these units being clustered in groups of no more than 15 homes; and vii) to prevent the artificial subdivision of sites with the same landowner, where land is subdivided to create separate development schemes that cumulatively meet the thresholds of this policy, the Council will consider the site as a whole and will seek affordable housing on each part. The Council will also consider the site as a whole where a developer seeks to amalgamate adjacent sites with the same landowner into a single development thereby meeting the threshold.

Delivering New Homes

1. Residential development (including general market housing and affordable housing within land use class C3, specialist accommodation for older people within land use class C2 or use class C3, and residential caravan and mobile home development) will be permitted at sites allocated or carried forward by this Plan and on sites that are allocated by Neighbourhood Development Plans. Where Neighbourhood Development Plans are not progressed in Larger Villages and market towns, planning applications will be considered against the housing delivery targets for the Towns and Larger Villages set out in this Plan. 2. The Development Plan contains a range of site types and sizes that will be developed with different time scales and that are dependent on different infrastructure. The Council has developed a detailed development trajectory (shown at Appendix 8) that will provide the annual delivery targets for this plan period. 3. Residential development on sites not allocated in the Development Plan will only be permitted where: i) it is for affordable housing on a rural exception site or entry level housing scheme; or ii) it is for specialist housing for older people in locations with good access to public transport and local facilities; or iii) it is development within the existing built-up areas of Towns and Larger Villages as defined in the settlement hierarchy (shown in Appendix 7); provided an important open space of public, environmental, historical or ecological value is not lost, nor an important public view harmed; or iv) it is infilling, and brownfield sites within Smaller and Other Villages as defined in the settlement hierarchy; or v) it is brought forward through a Community Right to Build Order; or vi) there are other specific exceptions/circumstances defined in a Neighbourhood Development Plan and/or Neighbourhood Development Orders; or vii) it would bring redundant or disused buildings into residential use and would enhance its immediate surroundings; or viii) the design is outstanding or innovative and of exceptional quality and would significantly enhance its immediate setting. 4. The residential development of previously developed land will be permitted within and adjacent to the existing built-up areas of Towns, Larger Villages and Smaller Villages. The Council will also support appropriate opportunities to remediate despoiled, degraded, derelict, contaminated or unstable land. 5. Proposals that will bring empty housing back into residential use will be encouraged. 6. The Council will support development which provides for the residential needs of all parts of our community, including Gypsies, Travellers, Travelling Showpeople, caravan dwellers and boat dwellers. Proposals for new residential caravan and mobile home sites to accommodate people who do not meet the planning definition for Gypsies and Travellers set out in Planning Policy for Traveller Sites 2015, or legacy definition, will be considered in accordance with this policy. Planning permission for single residential caravans or mobile homes will only be given in exceptional circumstances and on a temporary and personal basis.

Exception Sites and Entry Level Housing Schemes

To ensure all applications are granted in accordance with the policy. To ensure cumulative impact of development does not exceed the policy threshold

Housing Mix

To ensure the cumulative delivery of planning permissions for housing developments provides a housing mix that accords with the latest evidence available

Self-Build and Custom-Build Housing

1. The Council will support proposals for self-build and custom-build projects that are delivered in accordance with policies in the Development Plan. 2. On strategic allocations the Council will seek 3% of the proportion of the developable plots to be set aside for self-build and custom-build. This will be reviewed through the Authority Monitoring Report, subject to the need shown on the register. Self and custom-build properties could provide market or affordable housing. 3. Neighbourhood Development Plans should consider the local need for this type of development and where appropriate identify specific sites to allocate for self-build and custom-build housing. 4. Where serviced plot(s) for self and custom-build have been sought as part of an allocation in a Neighbourhood Development Plan or strategic allocations within the Local Plan, they must be made available and marketed for an appropriate time (to be agreed with the local planning authority through the granting of planning permission for the site). If, following this marketing these plots have not sold, and sufficient evidence is provided that there is not likely to be market interest in the plot(s), the applicant will be able to develop the land for further market housing.

Specialist Housing for Older People

1. Encouragement will be given to developments which include the delivery of specialist housing for older people in locations with good access to public transport and local facilities. 2. Local communities will be encouraged to identify suitable sites for specialist housing for older people through the Neighbourhood Planning process. 3. Provision should be made for specialist housing for older people within the strategic housing developments allocated in this plan.

Provision for Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople

1. The provision of pitches for Gypsies and Travellers and plots for Travelling Showpeople will be delivered through: i) safeguarding authorised sites; ii) extending existing sites, where possible, to meet the needs of existing residents and their families; ii) delivery within the following strategic allocations: • 4 pitches for Gypsies and Travellers at Didcot North East (carried forward from Core Strategy) as shown on the policies map; • 3 pitches for Gypsies and Travellers at Land adjacent to Culham Science Centre (STRAT9) as shown on the policies map; • 3 pitches for Gypsies and Travellers at Land at Chalgrove Airfield (STRAT7) as shown on the policies map. 2. Additional proposals for pitches for Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople not set out in Part 1 of this policy, will be permitted where it has been demonstrated that the following criteria have been met: i) the capacity of the site can be justified to meet needs for further Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople sites, or extensions to existing sites; ii) the site is not located within the Oxford Green Belt unless very special circumstances are demonstrated; iii) the proposal will not have an unacceptable impact on the character and appearance of the landscape and the amenity of neighbouring properties, and is sensitively designed to mitigate visual impacts on its surroundings; iv) there are no adverse impacts on the significance of heritage assets; v) the site has safe and satisfactory vehicular and pedestrian access to the surrounding principal highway network. The site will be large enough to enable vehicle movements, parking and servicing to take place, having regard to the number of pitches/plots on site; vi) the site can be provided with safe electricity, drinking water, sewage treatment and waste disposal facilities; and vii) no significant barriers to development exist in terms of flooding, poor drainage, poor ground stability or proximity to other hazardous land or installation where other forms of housing would not be suitable.

Safeguarding Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Sites

1. Proposals that result in the loss of an authorised and permanent site for residential use by Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople will not be permitted unless it can be clearly demonstrated that: i) the site is no longer suitable for such use and suitable alternative provision is made for the use on a site of equal or better quality with equal access to services; or ii) that there is no need for Traveller pitches in the district. 2. Appropriate, detailed and robust evidence will be required to satisfy the above criteria. The Council will require the independent assessment of this evidence. 3. Planning conditions or legal obligations may be necessary to ensure that any replacement sites are provided. Any replacement site should be available before the original site is lost.

Backland and Infill Development and Redevelopment

To ensure development is in line with the policy

Sub-division and Conversion to Multiple Occupation

To ensure development is in line with the policy

Replacement Dwellings

To ensure development is in line with the policy

Rural Workers Dwellings

To ensure development is in line with the policy

New Housing in Didcot

1. At Didcot, provision will be made for around 6,399* new homes between 2011 and 2035. This provision will be at: Location: Indicative dwelling capacity Ladygrove East (saved from the Local Plan 2011) (H2a): 642 Didcot North East (saved from the Core Strategy) (H2b): 2,030 Great Western Park (saved from the Local Plan 2011) (H2c): 2,587 Vauxhall Barracks (saved from the Core Strategy) (H2d): 300 Orchard Centre Phase II remaining site (saved from Core Strategy) (H2e): 300 New: Didcot Gateway (H2f): 300 New: Hadden Hill (H2g): 74 New: Land south of A4130 (H2h): 166 Total: 6,339 *Some of the dwellings proposed in Policy H2 have already been completed since 2011 and some are on sites that have planning consent (including outline planning permission or with a resolution to grant permission). 2. Land within the allocation at Ladygrove East will be developed to deliver approximately 642 new homes. Proposals will be expected to deliver a network of public urban spaces and public greenspaces (not less than 8 hectares) with the largest greenspace comprising a local park (not less than 6 hectares) containing an equipped children's play area, open grassland, woodland, wetland, ponds and watercourses located in the southwestern part of the allocated area. Other greenspaces will comprise green corridors in the movement network and buffer zones, containing open grassland, earth mounding and woodland. The buffer zones will be of sufficient width to protect homes from noise generated on major distributor roads and to protect road users from the Hadden Hill golf course.

Extensions to Dwellings

1. Extensions to dwellings or the erection and extension of ancillary buildings within the curtilage of a dwelling, will be permitted provided that: i) within the Green Belt the extension or the alteration of a building does not result in disproportionate additions over and above the size of the original* building; ii) adequate and satisfactory parking is provided. Development should have regard to the Oxfordshire County Council parking standards, unless specific evidence is provided to justify otherwise; and iii) sufficient amenity areas are provided for the extended dwelling. Development should have regard to the advice within the South Oxfordshire Design Guide. *'Original' means the volume as existing on July 1st 1948, or if constructed after that date, as originally built. Garages and outbuildings will not be included in this calculation.

Loss of Existing Residential Accommodation in Town Centres

1. The loss of existing residential accommodation in the town centres will not be permitted other than in accordance with the relevant policies of this Plan, except in cases of upper floor accommodation where an independent access does not exist and cannot be provided, or in cases where there are insurmountable environmental factors which militate against continued residential use. The loss of private gardens, which could affect the residential amenity of the occupants of existing dwellings will also be resisted.

Housing in the Larger Villages

To deliver the homes required for each Larger Village in accordance with the policy

Housing in the Smaller Villages

To deliver homes in the Smaller Villages in accordance with the policy

Affordable Housing

To ensure all planning permissions on major developments or where the site has an area of 0.5 hectares or more provide 40% affordable housing or in accordance with policy. To provide a split of 40% affordable rented, 35% social rented and 25% intermediate housing

Berinsfield Garden Village

1. Berinsfield Garden Village is defined as the existing village and any future development that is contiguous to the existing village including land within the strategic allocation in Policy STRAT10i: Land at Berinsfield Garden Village. 2. All development within the Berinsfield Garden Village will meet the Garden Village principles as set out by the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA) and in accordance with the Berinsfield Garden Village principles below: i) stewardship and legacy – a cared for garden village of attractive built and natural environments, healthy and accessible nurseries and classrooms with residents involved in managing space and facilities; ii) forward thinking – a resilient garden village, masterplanned at a human scale that incorporates sustainable energy, adaptable homes and smart street lighting that avoids night sky light pollution; iii) landscape led – a green garden village with a minimum 38 per cent usable green space in built-up areas, minimum 10 per cent biodiversity net gain and design that responds visually to topography and aspect, multi-functional blue-green infrastructure with integrated SuDS from rooftop to attenuation; iv) strong sense of place – a connected garden village that creates attractive walking and cycling links between the existing village, new development and the surrounding countryside; v) healthy, vibrant community – a healthy garden village with integrated open space that incorporates 'edible landscape', orchards, allotments, natural play, private and community gardens, space for healthy lifestyles and social mixing, tenure blind housing and full integration of mixed tenure homes; vi) sustainable transport and access – an accessible garden village that prioritises walking and cycling, well designed parking solutions, integrated public transport, built in capacity in homes, businesses and public space to enable innovative transport solutions and safe neighbourhoods with natural surveillance and smart lighting; vii) attention to detail – a legible garden village that people can find their way in, through landmarks, character areas and waymarked routes, detailed design to make local trips more attractive on foot or by bike and use of high-quality materials and design.

Land at Berinsfield Garden Village

1. Land within the strategic allocation at Berinsfield Garden Village will be developed to provide around 1,700 new homes within the plan period, at least 5 hectares of additional employment land and supporting services and facilities. The number of new homes should demonstrably support the regeneration of Berinsfield and the delivery of the necessary social infrastructure. 2. The proposals to develop land at Berinsfield will be expected to deliver: i) development in accordance with Policy STRAT10; ii) the necessary regeneration package, referring to the Infrastructure Delivery Plan, which is likely to include the refurbishment and expansion of the Abbey Sports Centre and library to accommodate new community facilities in a 'community hub'. This may include new premises for an expanded health centre or alternatively premises for a new health centre will be provided within the new development; iii) affordable housing provision in accordance with Policy H9 and a mix informed by robust local evidence that seeks to address existing local need as well as rebalance the mix of housing tenures across the Garden Village; iv) sufficient education capacity, which is likely to require one additional primary school provided on site, contributions to the enhancement of Abbey Woods Primary School, and contributions to a new secondary school and Special Education Needs (SEN) provided off site; v) provision of convenience floorspace that meets the day-to-day needs of the local community only without impacting on the vitality and viability of existing centres in accordance with Policy TC2 – Retail Hierarchy; vi) all necessary transport infrastructure, referring to the Infrastructure Delivery Plan, which is likely to include: a. a new junction and access onto the A4074 to the north of the existing A4074/A415 junction; b. upgrades to the existing A4074/A415 junction; c. contributions towards upgrading the A4074/B4015 junction at Golden Balls, the Clifton Hampden bypass, and the Thames River crossing between Culham and Didcot Garden Town; d. provision for excellent public transport facilities including pump priming a scheduled bus service, with a minimum of two buses per hour between Berinsfield, Culham and Abingdon, with options to extend or vary services to Chalgrove and Didcot; e. high quality infrastructure to encourage cycling and walking, and provide links through the site and to adjacent employment and into the village of Berinsfield and to other surrounding locations including Culham; specifically (but not limited to) improving the existing pedestrian/cyclist infrastructure along the A415 from Berinsfield to Culham, and providing for a cycle route from Berinsfield to Oxford. vii) an integrated network of Green Infrastructure that links locally important wildlife sites and the enhancement of ecologically important habitats including areas of woodland and open space provision as set out in the Infrastructure Delivery Plan; viii) an accompanying minerals assessment that considers if minerals can be extracted in accordance with Policy EP5; ix) an accompanying archaeological evaluation that considers the areas of known and potential archaeological interest of the site in accordance with Policy ENV9; and x) low carbon development and renewable energy in accordance with STRAT4. 3. The proposed development at Berinsfield will deliver a scheme in accordance with an agreed comprehensive masterplan taking into consideration the indicative concept plan. The masterplan must be prepared in collaboration and agreed with the Local Planning Authority in consultation with Oxfordshire County Council. The proposals will be expected to deliver a masterplan that demonstrates: i) appropriate landscaping throughout the site, including a new permanent defensible landscaped edge to protect the Oxford Green Belt, while still maintaining a sense of permanent openness between Berinsfield and Drayton St Leonard, and maintaining key views to the Chiltern Hills and Wittenham Clumps; ii) no greater land-take of greenfield land than is necessary to deliver the required regeneration and other relevant policy requirements. Any part of the developable greenfield area that is not required for housing or related infrastructure should provide Green Infrastructure including planting to contain the settlement edge; iii) it has taken account of the archaeological evaluation and identified an appropriate scheme of mitigation, including the physical preservation of significant archaeological features and their setting, where appropriate; iv) the delivery of higher density development (a minimum of 50 dph), along key transport corridors and adjacent to the local centre, gradually reducing the scale and density of development to provide a transition across the site towards the northern and eastern countryside edges where lower density development should be delivered, alongside a network of Green Infrastructure and planting to create a new permanent landscaped edge to protect the Oxford Green Belt, to deliver an overall site-wide average net density of 35-50 dph; v) a net gain in biodiversity delivered on site which includes extensive new woodland planting in the north and east of the site, significant new woodland buffers around the site boundaries and green linkages through the site; vi) high quality walking and cycling routes within the site; and vii) provision of infrastructure to support public transport through the site. 4. The number and phasing of homes to be permitted and the timing of the housing delivery linked to the planned infrastructure needs to be informed by further evidence as per the requirements of other policies in the Plan including Policy TRANS4. This will be agreed (and potentially conditioned) through the planning application process, in consultation with the relevant statutory authority. 5. Land at Berinsfield is removed from the Green Belt and inset as a Garden Village settlement as shown on Land inset from the Green Belt Boundary (Appendix 4) specifically to enable this development to be brought forward.

Land at Northfield

1. Land within the strategic allocation at Northfield will be developed to deliver approximately 1,800 new homes and supporting services and facilities within the plan period. 2. Proposals to develop Northfield will be expected to deliver: i) affordable housing provision and mix in accordance with Policy H9; ii) sufficient educational capacity likely to be for up to a new 3-form entry primary school and appropriate contributions towards an off-site secondary school and Special Education Needs (SEN); iii) sufficient contributions towards enabling primary healthcare services to address patient growth associated with the development, referring to the Infrastructure Delivery Plan; iv) provision of convenience floorspace that meets the day-to-day needs of the local community only without impacting on the vitality and viability of existing centres in accordance with Policy TC2 – Retail Hierarchy; v) all necessary transport improvements through direct mitigation or contributions to new and improved infrastructure, referring to the Infrastructure Delivery Plan, which is likely to include: a. provision and contribution towards cycling and walking infrastructure and the public rights of way network on and off site ensuring the site is well connected to Oxford City, and appropriate surrounding villages; b. contributions towards a scheme to improve the B480 route towards Cowley for buses, pedestrians and cyclists; c. provision of infrastructure/financial support for Eastern Arc-Culham-Science Vale bus service; d. contributions towards improvements to bus services along the B480 corridor and through the site to Oxford City and nearby villages; e. upgrades to the existing junctions on the Oxford Eastern bypass (A4142), including Cowley junction. vi) open space provision as set out in the Infrastructure Delivery Plan; vii) appropriate air quality mitigation measures to minimise impacts on the Oxford AQMA as demonstrated through an appropriate Air Quality Screening Assessment; and viii) low carbon development and renewable energy in accordance with STRAT4. 3. The proposed development at Northfield will deliver a scheme in accordance with an agreed comprehensive masterplan taking into consideration the indicative concept plan. The masterplan must be prepared in collaboration and agreed with the Local Planning Authority in consultation with Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford City Council. The proposals will be expected to deliver a masterplan that demonstrates: i) the delivery of a high-quality development that is fully integrated with its surroundings; ii) appropriate landscape mitigation measures to minimise the visual impact of the development on the openness of the Green Belt and maintain important views of Oxford City, providing a defensible Green Belt boundary and a strong countryside edge retaining a permanent separation between Oxford and Garsington; iii) provision of a landscape led scheme which integrates a network of Green Infrastructure with structural landscaping along the north western boundary (Industrial Estate) that integrates and improves existing hedgerows and tree belts on the site; iv) built development within Flood Zone 1 has site specific flood risk mitigation and management including implementation of sustainable surface water drainage measures. This should be informed by including appropriate on-site hydraulic modelling; v) a net gain in biodiversity through the creation and restoration of habitats along the course of the Northfield Brook and biodiversity enhancements integrated into the masterplan with any residual impacts offset through a recognised biodiversity offsetting scheme; vi) the delivery of higher density development (a minimum of 70 dph) along key transport corridors, adjacent to the local centre, and towards the north western boundary of the site, but having regard to the existing noise environment from the adjacent employment site, to respond to the existing adjacent development, gradually reducing the scale and density of development to provide a transition across the site towards the eastern and south-eastern countryside edges where the lower density development should be delivered, alongside a network of Green Infrastructure to create an appropriate urban edge, to deliver an overall site-wide average net density of 50-70 dph; vii) high quality walking and cycling routes within the site; and viii) provision of infrastructure to support public transport through the site. 4. Archaeological evaluation will need to be undertaken ahead of the determination of any planning application in order to assess the significance of deposits in line with the NPPF. A scheme of appropriate mitigation will be required following this evaluation including the physical preservation of significant archaeological features and their setting where appropriate. 5. The number and phasing of homes to be permitted and the timing of housing delivery linked to the planned infrastructure needs to be informed by further evidence as per the requirements of other policies in the Plan including Policy TRANS4. This will be agreed (and potentially conditioned) through the planning application process, in consultation with the relevant statutory authority.

Land North of Bayswater Brook

1. Land within the strategic allocation at Land North of Bayswater Brook will be developed to deliver approximately 1,100 new homes and supporting services and facilities within the plan period. 2. Proposals to develop Land North of Bayswater Brook will be

South Oxfordshire Housing and Employment Requirements

1. During the plan period, provision will be made to meet the following requirements: 2. Housing requirements • South Oxfordshire Minimum Housing Requirement - 18,600 between 1 April 2011 and 31 March 2035; • 4,950 homes addressing Oxford's unmet housing need (between 1 April 2021 and 31 March 2035). • Total housing requirement for the plan period 23,550 homes. The annual requirement is as follows: • 2011/12 to 2025/26 - 900 homes per annum; • 2026/27 to 2031/32 - 1,120 homes per annum; • 2032/33 to 2034/35 - 1,110 homes per annum. 3. Employment land requirements • South Oxfordshire Minimum Employment Land Requirement 39.1 hectares between 1 April 2011 and 31 March 2035. 4. These requirements are to be delivered in accordance with the spatial strategy set out in STRAT1. 5. The locations and trajectory for housing development is identified in Policy H1. 6. The appropriate level of new housing and employment will be monitored and a review undertaken within five years following the adoption of the Local Plan, taking into account the most up-to-date evidence available at that time.

Residential Densities

1. Planning permission will only be granted where it can be demonstrated that the proposal optimises the use of land and potential of the site. Developments should accommodate and sustain an appropriate amount and mix of uses (including green space and other public space) and support local facilities and transport networks. 2. The density of a development should be informed by: i) the capacity of the site and the need to use land efficiently in accordance with Policy DES7: Efficient use of resources; ii) the need to achieve high quality design that respects local character; iii) local circumstances and site constraints, including the required housing mix, and the need to protect or enhance the local environment, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, heritage assets, and important landscape, habitats and townscape; iv) the site's (or, on strategic allocations, the relevant part of the sites's) current and future level of accessibility to local services and facilities by walking, cycling and public transport; and v) the need to minimise detrimental impacts on the amenity of future and/or adjoining occupiers. 3. Sites well related to existing towns and villages and served by public transport or with good accessibility by foot or bicycle to the town centres of Didcot, Henley, Thame and Wallingford or a district centre within Oxford City should be capable of accommodating development at higher densities. It is expected that these sites will accommodate densities of more than 45 dph (net) unless there is a clear conflict with delivering a high-quality design or other clearly justified planning reasons for a lower density. 4. Given the size, function and location of the strategic allocations it may be more appropriate for these sites to create a new character rather than trying to reflect or scale up the existing local character. 5. Applicants should demonstrate that a scheme makes the optimal use of the site as part of the masterplan or Design and Access Statement, where these are required to support a planning application.

Land at Chalgrove Airfield

1. Land within the strategic allocation at Chalgrove Airfield will be developed to deliver approximately 3,000 new homes with at least 2,105 to be delivered within the plan period, 5 hectares of employment land, 3 pitches for Gypsies and Travellers, education facilities, public open spaces, retail and supporting services and other community facilities. 2. Proposals to develop Chalgrove Airfield will be expected to deliver: i) land safeguarded for the future operations of Martin-Baker to include a re-aligned runway to be designed in line with Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) standards; ii) affordable housing provision and mix in accordance with Policy H9; iii) a net increase of at least 5ha employment land required to be delivered during the plan period on a dedicated employment site located where it relates well to and supports the operations at Monument Business Park; iv) the required pitches for Gypsies and Travellers to be incorporated in the site masterplan and be appropriately located in line with Policy H14 and be delivered during the plan period; v) sufficient additional education capacity, likely to be two 2 form entry primary schools including early years provision (each 2.22ha), one new 8 form entry secondary school with sixth form (10.55ha) which incorporates a relocation for Icknield School from Watlington and off-site contributions to Special Educational Needs (SEN); vi) sufficient health care facilities on site or provision of off-site contributions to serve the existing and future demand in this area, in accordance with the Infrastructure Delivery Plan; vii) provision of convenience and comparison floorspace to meet the day-to-day needs of Chalgrove and the wider local community in accordance with Policy TC2: Town Centre Hierarchy; viii) all necessary transport infrastructure referring to the Infrastructure Delivery Plan, which is likely to include: a. re-alignment of the B480 through the site; b. improvements to highway infrastructure through direct mitigation or significant contributions to new or improved roads, such as a bypass or edge road, including sustainable transport improvements, and where appropriate in association with relevant Neighbourhood Development Plans and any wider County Council highway infrastructure strategy, around, but not limited to Benson, Stadhampton Chiselhampton and Watlington, including highway intervention measures to mitigate additional impacts, both transport and environmental (including air quality), in Cuxham, Chiselhampton, Little Milton, Shirburn and other settlements where justified. In particular, land will need to be identified and secured for delivery for the proposed route of the Chiselhampton, Stadhampton and Cuxham bypasses, as supported by more detailed evidence as it comes forward with due regard to the heritage and landscape setting of the existing settlements, as examined through the planning application process; c. improvements to the Public Transport network through significant contributions to new or improved services to include but not limited to increased frequency on the Chalgrove to Oxford bus route of 4 buses per hour to be supported by highway improvements on the B480 corridor, and an east west bus service linking Chalgrove to Didcot (and where feasible other employment and growth areas) with a target frequency of 2 buses per hour; and d. links that encourage walking and cycling through the site and to adjacent employment and into the village

Berinsfield Garden Village

All development within the Berinsfield Garden Village will meet the Garden Village principles as set out by the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA) and in accordance with the Berinsfield Garden Village principles below: ii) forward thinking – a resilient garden village, masterplanned at a human scale that incorporates sustainable energy, adaptable homes and smart street lighting that avoids night sky light pollution; iii) landscape led – a green garden village with a minimum 38 per cent usable green space in built-up areas, minimum 10 per cent biodiversity net gain and design that responds visually to topography and aspect, multi-functional blue-Green Infrastructure with integrated SuDS from rooftop to attenuation; iv) strong sense of place – a connected garden village that creates attractive walking and cycling links between the existing village, new development and the surrounding countryside; vi) sustainable transport and access – an accessible garden village that prioritises walking and cycling, well designed parking solutions, integrated public transport, built in capacity in homes, businesses and public space to enable innovative transport solutions and safe neighbourhoods with natural surveillance and smart lighting; vii) attention to detail – a legible garden village that people can find their way in, through landmarks, character areas and waymarked routes, detailed design to make local trips more attractive on foot or by bike and use of high-quality materials and design; vi) d. provision for excellent public transport facilities including pump priming a scheduled bus service, with a minimum of two buses per hour between Berinsfield, Culham and Abingdon, with options to extend or vary services to Chalgrove and Didcot; e. high quality infrastructure to encourage cycling and walking, and provide links through the site and to adjacent employment and into the village of Berinsfield and to other surrounding locations including Culham; specifically (but not limited to) improving the existing pedestrian/cyclist infrastructure along the A415 from Berinsfield to Culham, and providing for a cycle route from Berinsfield to Oxford; vii) an integrated network of Green Infrastructure that links locally important wildlife sites and the enhancement of ecologically important habitats including areas of woodland and open space provision

Grenoble Road Urban Extension

x) low carbon development and renewable energy in accordance with STRAT4; iv) the delivery of higher density development (a minimum of 50 dph) along key transport corridors and adjacent to the local centre...; v) a net gain in biodiversity delivered on site which includes extensive new woodland planting in the north and east of the site, significant new woodland buffers around the site boundaries and green linkages through the site; vi) high quality walking and cycling routes within the site; vii) provision of infrastructure to support public transport through the site.

Oxford Eastern Arc

iv) the delivery of higher density development (a minimum of 70 dph) around the local centres and (a minimum of 60 dph) along key transport corridors...; v) a net gain in biodiversity, including proposals to enhance the biodiversity value of the watercourse which connects to the Littlemore Brook. Any residual biodiversity loss should be offset through a recognised biodiversity offsetting scheme; vi) high quality walking and cycling routes within the site; vii) provision of infrastructure to support public transport through the site; v) all necessary transport improvements through direct mitigation or contributions to new and improved infrastructure, referring to the Infrastructure Delivery Plan, which is likely to include: a. provision and contribution towards cycling and walking infrastructure and the public rights of way network on and off site ensuring the site is well connected to Oxford City, and appropriate surrounding villages; b. contributions towards a scheme to improve the B480 route towards Cowley for buses, pedestrians and cyclists; c. provision of infrastructure/financial support for Eastern Arc-Culham-Science Vale bus service; d. contributions towards improvements to bus services along the B480 corridor and through the site to Oxford City and nearby villages; vii) appropriate air quality mitigation measures to minimise impacts on the Oxford AQMA as demonstrated through an appropriate Air Quality Screening Assessment;...; viii) low carbon development and renewable energy in accordance with STRAT4;

Culham Science Vale

iv) built development within Flood Zone 1 has site specific flood risk mitigation and management including implementation of sustainable surface water drainage measures. This should be informed by including appropriate on-site hydraulic modelling; v) a net gain in biodiversity through the creation and restoration of habitats along the course of the Northfield Brook and biodiversity enhancements integrated into the masterplan with any residual impacts offset through a recognised biodiversity offsetting scheme; vi) the delivery of higher density development (a minimum of 70 dph) along key transport corridors, adjacent to the local centre...; vii) high quality walking and cycling routes within the site; viii) provision of infrastructure to support public transport through the site;

Land North of Bayswater Brook

Site area: 110 hectares 1. Land within the strategic allocation at Land North of Bayswater Brook will be developed to deliver approximately 1,100 new homes and supporting services and facilities within the plan period. 2. Proposals to develop Land North of Bayswater Brook will be expected to deliver: i) affordable housing provision and mix in accordance with Policy H9; ii) sufficient educational capacity likely to be a 1.5-form entry primary school including early years provision, appropriate contributions towards an off-site secondary school and Special Educational Needs (SEN); iii) sufficient contributions towards enabling primary healthcare services to address patient growth associated with the development, as set out in the Infrastructure Delivery Plan; iv) provision of convenience floorspace that meets the day-to-day needs of the local community only without impacting on the vitality and viability of existing centres in accordance with Policy TC2 – Retail Hierarchy; v) necessary facilities for movement. As a first priority, these should provide high quality pedestrian, cycle and public transport connections into Oxford to maximise the number of trips made by non-car modes, and measures to discourage car-based development. If, having taken the impact of these measures into account, significant residual impacts on the highway network are still predicted, new highway infrastructure will be required to mitigate those impacts. Any planning application will be expected to be accompanied by a Transport Assessment and Travel Plan. Transport improvements are likely to include: a. provision of high quality pedestrian, cycle and public transport access and connectivity to Oxford City Centre and other major employment locations, particularly the hospitals and Oxford Science and Business Parks, including (but not limited to) the links to and across the A40 Oxford Northern Bypass and a new pedestrian and cycle bridge across the A40 which will require a suitable landing point outside of the allocated site; b. road access from the surrounding road network; c. measures to mitigate any significant residual impacts on the highway network, first taking into account the benefits from the sustainable movement measures described above. vi) a schedule of works as agreed with the Council for the repair of the Grade II* Wick Farm Wellhouse identified on the Heritage at Risk Register. This is to be agreed prior to the determination of an application for development. An application for planning permission must be accompanied by an application for listed building consent for the works to the Wellhouse; vii) a development that ensures that there will be no demonstrable negative recreational, hydrological or air quality impacts on the Sidlings Copse and College Pond SSSI; viii) appropriate air quality mitigation measures to minimise impacts on the Oxford AQMA as demonstrated through an appropriate Air Quality Screening Assessment; and ix) low carbon development and renewable energy in accordance with STRAT4. 3. The proposed development at Land North of Bayswater Brook will deliver a scheme in accordance with an agreed comprehensive masterplan taking into consideration this policy's indicative concept plan. The masterplan must be prepared in collaboration and agreed with the Local Planning Authority in consultation with Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford City Council. Proposals will be required to deliver a masterplan that has been informed by detailed landscape, visual, heritage and ecological impact assessments and demonstrates an appropriate scale, layout and form that: i) focuses built development within Flood Zone 1 only, with areas of Flood Zone 2 and 3 preserved as accessible green space; ii) includes a landscape buffer between the development and Wick Farm, as well as incorporating high quality design to preserve or enhance listed buildings and their settings, both within and surrounding the site, in accordance with Policy ENV7; iii) develops a transport and movement hierarchy which promotes non-car modes of travel and permeability across the site and beyond to Oxford City, including on and off-site public rights of way enhancements, and identifies where on-site highways infrastructure will be required, ensures appropriate highways and sustainable transport access and permeability across the site, including between Bayswater Road and the B4150 Marsh Lane/A40 junction; iv) provides a permanent defensible Green Belt boundary around the allocation and a strong countryside edge; v) retains and incorporates existing hedgerows and tree belts, particularly where this assists with the creation of a new Green Belt boundary; vi) relates to and connects with adjoining built development and development that is planned within Oxford City; vii) respects and avoids harm to Oxford's historic setting; viii) minimises visual impacts on the surrounding countryside; ix) delivers higher density development (a minimum of 45 dph) along key frontages, transport corridors and towards the south and east boundaries of the main site and the south of the smaller site, to respond to the existing adjacent development, provided it does not adversely impact any heritage assets or their settings, and provided that it respects the character of, and living conditions within, neighbouring residential development. This will be interspersed with green links and public access to attractive walking routes. Densities on both sites will gradually reduce towards the northern landscape buffer and on the main site, densities will be lower close to Sidlings Copse and College Pond SSSI and also reduce towards the western edge of the site to reflect the sensitivities of the view cone; x) a net gain in biodiversity through the protection and enhancement of habitats along the Bayswater Brook, new habitats to the north buffering the Sidlings Copse and College Pond SSSI and offsite biodiversity enhancements; xi) provides a network of Green Infrastructure that: a. retains and incorporates areas of functional flood plain and existing surface water flow paths; b. protects and enhances existing habitats, particularly those associated with Sidlings Copse and College Pond SSSI and the Bayswater Brook; c. connects with adjoining Green Infrastructure within Oxford City; d. retains and incorporates existing public rights of way, improves and extends public rights of way where appropriate, and supports movement through the site and into adjoining areas by walking and cycling; and e. provides an appropriate buffer to the Oxford view cone. 4. Archaeological evaluation was undertaken during 2020 before the preparation of the masterplan. A scheme of appropriate mitigation should be established, to include the physical preservation of significant archaeological features and their setting. 5. The number and phasing of homes to be permitted and the timing of housing delivery linked to the planned infrastructure need to be informed by further evidence as per the requirements of other policies in the Plan including Policy TRANS4. This will be agreed (and potentially conditioned) through the planning application process, in consultation with the relevant statutory authority.

Land at Wheatley Campus, Oxford Brookes University

1. Land within the strategic allocation at Wheatley Campus will be developed to deliver approximately 500 new homes within the plan period. Higher density development should be located in the eastern and central parts of the site with lower density development in the south western part. 2. Proposals to develop land at Wheatley Campus will be expected to deliver: i) affordable housing provision and mix in accordance with Policy H9; ii) development densities in accordance with Policy STRAT5; iii) any necessary contributions to enhance local school capacity arising from the proposal; iv) all necessary transport infrastructure including: a. improvements to walking and cycling provision; b. contribution to Public Transport provision; c. Travel Plan monitoring. v) a programme of archaeological evaluation and mitigation to be undertaken ahead of any development; vi) appropriate landscaping, including buffers along the A40 and an appropriate countryside edge; and vii) low carbon development and renewable energy where compatible with the terms of the outline planning permission. 3. The proposed development at Wheatley Campus will deliver a scheme in accordance with an agreed comprehensive masterplan. Proposals will be required to deliver a masterplan that demonstrates: i) visual impacts on surrounding countryside has been minimised; ii) valuable individual specimen trees, avenue and groups of trees and native vegetation are retained and respected; iii) surrounding listed buildings and structures (in particular Holton Park) and their setting are conserved and enhanced; iv) an appropriate buffer and setting to Scheduled Monuments within the site (the moated site 580m south west of Church Farm); and v) appropriate biodiversity measures in accordance with the NPPF. 4. Existing sports facilities should be retained or replaced within the development or, where this is not achievable because of site constraints, replacement facilities should be provided close to Wheatley or Holton to ensure that there is no local deficit of quantity or quality created by the redevelopment of the site. 5. The Wheatley Campus site is removed from the Green Belt and inset as shown in Land inset from the Green Belt (Appendix 4). 6. Appropriate biodiversity measures in accordance with the NPPF.

Land at Culham

1. Land at Culham is allocated for development to provide a net increase of at least 2,400 new homes, employment land in combination with the adjacent Science Centre, 3 pitches for Gypsies and Travellers and supporting services and facilities. 2. Proposals to develop Culham will be expected to deliver: i) in combination with the adjacent Science Centre a net increase of employment land of at least 7.3 hectares (with the existing 10 hectares of the No.1 site retained but redistributed across the two strategic allocations). The exact siting and phasing of the employment development will be agreed through the planning application process; ii) affordable housing provision and mix in accordance with Policy H9; iii) sufficient additional education capacity, likely to be a total of two new 2 form entry primary schools and one new 8 form entry secondary school with sixth form on site and appropriate contributions towards Special Education Needs (SEN); iv) sufficient health care capacity, likely to be a total of one new GP surgery on site to serve existing and future demand in this area in accordance with the Infrastructure Delivery Plan; v) provision of convenience floorspace that meets the day-to-day needs of the local community only without impacting on the vitality and viability of existing centres in accordance with Policy TC2 – Retail Hierarchy; vi) all necessary infrastructure, referring to the Infrastructure Delivery Plan, which is likely to include: a. new junctions onto the A415 and significant contributions towards the Clifton Hampden Bypass, the Didcot to Culham River Crossing, and upgrading the A4074/B4015 junction at Golden Balls; b. provision for excellent sustainable transport facilities including, but not limited to, new and improvements to existing cycle and footpaths including contributions towards a 'Cycle Premium Route' that is proposed between Didcot and Culham; provision of a new cycle bridge and associated connectivity and paths across the River Thames to connect appropriately with Abingdon on Thames to the north of the site; bus improvements including provision of a scheduled bus service, with a minimum of two buses per hour between Berinsfield, Culham and Abingdon, with options to extend or vary services to locations such as Cowley, Chalgrove and Didcot; c. contributions to Culham station improvements including longer platforms, public realm, new station building, and potentially car parking. vii) the provision of appropriate communal parks and gardens and amenity greenspace allotments, children's playspace and open space in accordance with the Infrastructure Delivery Plan; and viii) low carbon development and renewable energy in accordance with STRAT4. 3. The proposed development at Culham will deliver a scheme in accordance with an agreed comprehensive masterplan taking into consideration the indicative concept plan. The masterplan must be prepared in collaboration and agreed with the Local Planning Authority in consultation with Oxfordshire County Council. The proposals will be expected to deliver a masterplan that demonstrates: i) a layout that recognises plans for improvements to Culham railway station and any associated future rail capacity upgrades, recognising its importance and potential to support growth and development at the adjacent Science Centre; ii) a layout that delivers higher density development (a minimum of 50 dph) along the principal internal transport corridors, adjacent to the local centre and adjacent to the railway station, provided it does not adversely impact any existing heritage assets. Density should then gradually reduce from these locations outwards to provide a transition across the site, with lower density development located on the northern, southern and eastern edges of the site, to create a permanent defensible edge to protect the Oxford Green Belt; iii) a layout that recognises the overhead power lines on the site and avoids the built form beneath these where possible; iv) appropriate landscaping and an integrated network of Green Infrastructure throughout the site and in particular along the boundaries of the strategic allocation, which would allow limited through views, creating a permanent defensible edge to protect the Oxford Green Belt. This shall be based on landscape character, including historic landscape characterisation, considering the contribution of the site to the setting of Oxford, that preserve and enhance the surrounding Green Belt Way and River Thames long distance footpaths; v) a layout and form that respects the setting of the heritage assets within and beyond the site; in particular the listed buildings and structures (the Culham railway station and rail bridges and "Schola Europaea") and the Registered Park and Garden associated with Nuneham House; vi) a layout that has land which remains undeveloped to the northern border of the site and that should be utilised for flood plain storage, protecting the physical boundary features on the site; vii) a layout and appropriate mitigation measures that protect Culham Brake Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) which lies to the north-west of the site, the Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) priority sites to the north of Culham, and that within the Culham Science Centre and numerous BAP priority habitats, including the BAP priority habitat south of Culham Railway station; viii) high quality walking and cycling routes within the site; ix) provision of infrastructure to support public transport through the site; and x) a net gain in biodiversity which is integrated into the masterplan through the creation of new woodland habitats along the river escarpment and ecological enhancements of the floodplain habitats, including a complex of new wetland habitats and species rich floodplain meadows. Any residual biodiversity loss should be offset through a recognised biodiversity offsetting scheme. 4. Archaeological evaluation will need to be undertaken ahead of the determination of any planning application in order to assess the significance of deposits in line with the NPPF. A scheme of appropriate mitigation will be required following this evaluation including the physical preservation of significant archaeological features and their setting where appropriate. 5. Proposals will need to take account of Policy EP5: Minerals Safeguarding Areas. This policy encourages developers to extract minerals prior to non-mineral development taking place, where this is practical and environmentally feasible. 6. The number and phasing of homes to be permitted and the timing of housing delivery linked to the planned infrastructure needs to be informed by further evidence as per the requirements of other policies in the Plan including Policy TRANS4. This will be agreed, (and potentially conditioned) through the planning application process, in consultation with the relevant statutory authority. 7. Land adjacent to Culham Science Centre is removed from the Green Belt and inset as shown on Land inset from the Green Belt Boundary (Appendix 4) to enable this development to be brought forward.

Infrastructure Provision

1. New development must be served and supported by appropriate on-site and off-site infrastructure and services. 2. Planning permission will only be granted for developments where the infrastructure and services needed to meet the needs of the new development are already in place or will be provided to an agreed timescale. Infrastructure includes the requirements set out in the Council's Infrastructure Delivery Plan, Leisure Study, Green Infrastructure Strategy, any relevant made Neighbourhood Development Plans, and/or infrastructure needed to mitigate the impact of the new development. 3. Infrastructure and services, required as a consequence of development, and provision for their maintenance, will be sought from developers, and secured through planning obligations, conditions attached to a planning permission, other agreements, and funding through the Council's Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) or other mechanisms. This applies equally where external funding for infrastructure necessary for development has been secured (including where the infrastructure is delivered ahead of development), on the expectation that funding shall be recovered from development. 4. Development will also need to take account of existing infrastructure, such as sewerage treatment works, electricity pylons or gas pipelines running across development sites. Early engagement with infrastructure providers will be necessary, with any changes set down and agreed at planning application stage, for example through planning conditions.

Electronic Communications

1. The Council will work with Oxfordshire County Council and others to promote faster, more reliable and more comprehensive coverage of electronic communications. 2. Proposals for all new development should ensure appropriate infrastructure is provided during construction, sufficient to enable all development to be connected to full fibre broadband without any post development works.

Telecommunications Technology

1. In accordance with Government advice, if a proposed installation meets the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines for public exposure then it will not be necessary to consider further health aspects and concerns. 2. Prior approval (or planning permission where required) for the siting and appearance of antennae will be granted for telecommunications installations provided that the following criteria are met: i) the siting and appearance of the proposed apparatus and associated structures should seek to minimise impact on the visual amenity, character or appearance of the surrounding area in accordance with design policies and where appropriate heritage and/or ecological policies; ii) if on a building, apparatus and associated structures should be sited and designed to seek to minimise impact to the external appearance of the host building; iii) if proposing a new mast, it should be demonstrated that the applicant has fully explored the possibility of erecting apparatus on existing buildings, masts or other structures; and iv) when considering applications for telecommunications development, the Council will have regard to the operational requirements of telecommunications networks and the technical limitations of the technology. 3. Any planning permission will contain conditions to ensure that when any facility ceases to be used, becomes obsolete, or falls into disrepair, the demolition and removal of all works is undertaken, both above and below ground, and the reinstatement of the site to its original condition or to an agreed specification, will be required.

Water Resources

1. All development proposals must demonstrate that there is or will be adequate water supply, surface water, foul drainage and sewerage treatment capacity to serve the whole development. Applicants will be required to demonstrate that there is adequate capacity both on and off site to serve the development and that it would not lead to problems for existing users. When there is a capacity constraint and improvements to off-site infrastructure are not programmed, the developer should set out how the infrastructure improvements will be completed prior to occupation of the development. For phased development proposals, each phase must demonstrate sufficient water supply and water treatment capacity. 2. New developments are required to be designed to a water efficiency standard of 110 litres/head/day (l/h/d) for new homes. 3. Proposals that increase the requirement

Infrastructure Provision

Covered by all other infrastructure targets

Electronic Communications

To ensure delivery of dwellings is in compliance with Building Regulations

Telecommunications Technology

To ensure all planning permissions are only refused in accordance with the policy

Water Resources

1. All development proposals must demonstrate that there is or will be adequate water supply, surface water, foul drainage and sewerage treatment capacity to serve the whole development. Applicants will be required to demonstrate that there is adequate capacity both on and off site to serve the development and that it would not lead to problems for existing users. When there is a capacity constraint and improvements to off-site infrastructure are not programmed, the developer should set out how the infrastructure improvements will be completed prior to occupation of the development. For phased development proposals, each phase must demonstrate sufficient water supply and water treatment capacity. 2. New developments are required to be designed to a water efficiency standard of 110 litres/head/day (l/h/d) for new homes. 3. Proposals that increase the requirement for water will only be permitted where adequate water resources either already exist or can be provided without detriment to existing abstraction, river flows, groundwater flow to and from springs, water quality, biodiversity or other land uses.

Strategic Development

1. New development will be provided within strategic allocations in order to deliver the scale and distribution of development set out in Policies STRAT1 and STRAT2 in this chapter. 2. Development proposals should enable a comprehensive scheme to be delivered within each strategic allocation. Developers must ensure that the sites provide an appropriate scale and mix of uses, in suitable locations, to create sustainable developments that support and complement the role of existing settlements and communities. 3. Proposals must be accompanied by a comprehensive masterplan for the entire strategic allocation. This should demonstrate how new development will integrate with and complement its surroundings in an appropriate manner. 4. Proposals must ensure that necessary supporting infrastructure is provided. Developers must engage with relevant infrastructure providers to ensure the implementation of the Infrastructure Delivery Plan. 5. Proposals to deliver strategic development need to be supported by: i) a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment; ii) a Health Impact Assessment; iii) a Transport Assessment; iv) an Air Quality Assessment; v) an Arboricultural Survey; vi) an Ecological Impact Assessment; vii) a site specific flood risk assessment which takes into consideration the findings and recommendations of the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment; viii) a Heritage Impact Assessment; ix) an archaeological desk based assessment to provide an assessment of archaeological significance; and x) a statement of how it is intended to achieve low carbon emissions and facilitate renewable energy generation. 6. Each development will be expected to provide: i) a scheme of an appropriate scale, layout and form which respects the surrounding character and setting; ii) high quality public transport facilities and connections within and adjacent to the site; iii) appropriate vehicular, cycle and pedestrian access including safe and attractive connections with nearby communities and employment areas; iv) investigation and mitigation by the developer of any former land uses on the site which may give rise to contamination; v) a Noise Assessment including noise during construction and noise insulation of development; vi) a Landscape Management Plan to provide appropriate landscaping and an integrated network of Green Infrastructure; vii) an Ecological and Landscape Management Plan to be provided to manage habitats onsite; viii) an integrated water management plan to include proposed foul and surface water drainage strategies; ix) leisure facilities and playing pitches as outlined in the Council's current Leisure Study; and x) low carbon development and renewable energy. 7. This policy will also be used to determine planning applications for large scale major development.

The Strategy for Henley-on-Thames

1. Neighbourhood Development Plans are expected to, and the Council will support development proposals that: i) deliver homes in accordance with Policy H3; ii) strengthen the retail offer within Henley Town Centre; iii) enhance the town's environment and conserve and enhance the town's heritage assets; iv) strengthen and improve the attraction of Henley-on-Thames for visitors and provide leisure opportunities; v) improve accessibility, car and cycle parking in the Town Centre, and pedestrian and cycle links; vi) improve employment opportunities at existing employment sites and identify new sites for employment; vii) address air quality issues; viii) support Henley College and Gillotts School to meet their accommodation needs; and ix) provide new, or enhanced community facilities that meet an identified need.

The Overall Strategy

1. Proposals for development in South Oxfordshire will be assessed using national policy and guidance and the whole of the Development Plan* and should be consistent with the overall strategy of: i) focusing major new development in Science Vale including sustainable growth at Didcot Garden Town and Culham so that this area can play an enhanced role in providing homes, jobs and services with improved transport connectivity; ii) providing strategic allocations at Chalgrove, Culham, Berinsfield, Grenoble Road, Northfield, North of Bayswater Brook and Wheatley including necessary infrastructure and community facilities; iii) close working with partner agencies, neighbouring local authorities, communities and other stakeholders to ensure the timely delivery of our strategy, which will deliver a significant amount of growth beyond the end of the plan period; iv) supporting and enhancing the economic and social dependencies between our towns and villages; v) supporting the roles of Henley-on-Thames, Thame and Wallingford by maintaining and improving the attractiveness of their town centres through measures that include environmental improvements and mixed-use developments and by providing new homes, jobs, services and infrastructure; vi) meeting unmet housing needs of Oxford City on strategic allocations adjacent to the boundary of Oxford near to where that need arises; vii) supporting and enhancing the roles of the Larger Villages of Benson, Berinsfield, Chalgrove, Chinnor, Cholsey, Crowmarsh Gifford, Goring-on-Thames, Nettlebed, Sonning Common, Watlington, Wheatley and Woodcote as local service centres; viii) supporting Smaller and Other Villages by allowing for limited amounts of housing and employment to help secure the provision and retention of services; ix) protecting and enhancing the countryside and particularly those areas within the two AONBs and Oxford Green Belt by ensuring that outside of the towns and villages any change relates to very specific needs such as those of the agricultural industry or enhancement of the environment; x) supporting and enhancing our historic environment; and xi) contributing to tackling climate change.

Didcot Garden Town

1. Within the Didcot Garden Town masterplan area the Local Plan will: i) promote Didcot as the gateway to Science Vale; ii) identify Didcot as the focus of sustainable major new development for Science Vale; iii) support and the delivery of ambitious Green Infrastructure provision and plan safe, healthy and active spaces, supported by Policy ENV5; iv) focus on enhancing rail services to Didcot, complemented by measures to enhance Didcot Parkway station and improve access by all sustainable modes of transport; v) strike a balance to provide for housing growth and economic growth; vi) assist in having policies supporting the acquisition of significant funding investment and safeguarding land to implement infrastructure schemes; vii) enable flexibility and resilience to plan for future changes, including changing community needs, addressing climate change and impacts, supporting technology and scientific advances in infrastructure provision; viii) require infrastructure to unlock development in Didcot Town Centre, Didcot and the wider area; ix) support the continued delivery of development in the Science Vale and Didcot Enterprise Zones. 2. To deliver Didcot Garden Town, housing allocations at Didcot are made in Policy H2 New Housing in Didcot. 3. Significant infrastructure improvements are committed to under Policy TRANS1b Supporting Strategic Transport Investment. Infrastructure will need to be in place to enable sites allocated in the Local Plan in and around Didcot to be delivered. 4. Provision is made for employment at identified employment sites across Didcot in line with Policy EMP1 The Amount and Distribution of New Employment Land and EMP4 Employment Land in Didcot. 5. Didcot's role as a major town centre is established in Policy TC2 Town Centre Hierarchy. 6. Proposals for development within the Didcot Garden Town Masterplan Area, as defined on the Policies Map and shown by Appendix 6, will be expected to demonstrate how they positively contribute to the achievement of the Didcot Garden Town Masterplan Principles (Figure 1).

The Strategy for Thame

1. Neighbourhood Development Plans are expected to, and the Council will support development proposals that: i) deliver homes in accordance with Policy H3; ii) strengthen the retail offer within Thame Town Centre; iii) improve the attraction of Thame for visitors and businesses; iv) improve accessibility, car and cycle parking, pedestrian and cycle links; v) support schemes that enhance the quality of the town's environment and conserve and enhance the town's heritage assets; vi) provide new employment opportunities and improve the stock of existing employment areas; and vii) provide new, or enhanced community facilities that meet an identified need.

The Strategy for Wallingford

1. Neighbourhood Development Plans are expected to, and the Council will support development proposals that: i) deliver homes in accordance with Policy H3; ii) support measures that improve the attraction of Wallingford for visitors with emphasis on the River Thames and the towns' heritage; iii) support the market place as a focal hub; iv) improve accessibility, car and cycle parking, pedestrian and cycle links; v) provide new employment opportunities and improve the stock of existing employment areas; vi) support schemes that enhance the town's natural and historic environment and conserve and enhance the town's heritage assets; vii) address air quality issues in the town centre; and viii) provide new, or enhanced community facilities that meet an identified need.

Retention of Visitor Accommodation

1. Development resulting in the loss of sites or premises used, or last used, as visitor accommodation will only be considered acceptable where it can be adequately demonstrated that the business is no longer viable and has no reasonable prospect of continuing and alternative visitor accommodation businesses have been fully explored.

Retail and Services Growth

1. Provision is made for 26,640sqm (net) of comparison retail floorspace and 4,500sqm of convenience floorspace to be provided in the district over the plan period. 2. Provision of convenience floorspace required within the strategic allocations will be dealt with in each of the respective STRAT Policies.

Town Centre Hierarchy

1. The Council will promote the continued role and functions of the town centres to positively contribute towards their viability, vitality, character and structure. The hierarchy of centres in the district is: • Major town centre: Didcot, Henley-on-Thames • Town centre: Thame, Wallingford • Local centre: Berinsfield, Benson, Chalgrove, Chinnor, Cholsey, Crowmarsh Gifford, Goring-on-Thames, Nettlebed, Sonning Common, Watlington, Wheatley, Woodcote. 2. The Policies Map identifies the boundaries of the four town centres. 3. To ensure the long-term vitality and viability of the town centres, the Council will apply a 'town centre first' approach to retail, services and other main town centre uses in accordance with the established hierarchy of centres. 4. For our local centres, development proposals will be permitted that: i) provide retail and leisure uses within the centres through infill development and small scale redevelopment; ii) provide small scale retail or leisure development that contributes to the vitality and viability of the villages whilst not undermining the retail roles of the towns; iii) seek to improve access and movement for all users. 5. Development proposals for uses within Class E will be permitted within the town centre boundaries. Retail, leisure, office and other main town centre uses will continue to be directed to these centres in line with the sequential approach set out in the NPPF. 6. Where planning permission is required any retail, leisure and office development proposed outside these centres must be subject to an impact assessment, appropriate to the use, where the proposed gross floorspace is greater than the local threshold of 500sqm.

Comparison Goods Floorspace Requirements

1. Didcot Town Centre will remain the focus for comparison goods floorspace requirements. The additional retail floorspace at the Orchard Centre Phase II development will meet the identified comparison requirements in the district up until 2027. 2. Appropriately-scaled developments on smaller town centre opportunity sites elsewhere in the district may also be appropriate. 3. In Henley-on-Thames, Thame and Wallingford there is no qualitative need for additional comparison goods floorspace during the plan period. Applications for new comparison goods floorspace in these town centres should be treated on their individual merits. 4. Applications for comparison retail located outside of town centres will be required to demonstrate compliance with the sequential test and the locally set retail impact threshold (500sqm or as modified by the Council in response to the latest evidence).

Convenience Floorspace Provision in the Market Towns

1. Each of the three Market Towns should make provision for a single format food store with at least 1,500sqm net sales floorspace. As per Policy TC2, 'a town centre first' approach will be expected to be undertaken and then, if this is not appropriate, edge of centre and then a criteria based selection assessment. This will be provided at the following locations: Location: Henley-on-Thames, Thame, Wallingford Net amount of retail floorspace required: 1,500sqm, 1,500sqm, 1,500sqm Site: Site to be identified through the review of the Henley-Harpsden Neighbourhood Development Plan; Site to be identified through the review of the Thame Neighbourhood Development Plan; Site under construction

Primary Shopping Areas

1. Appendix 13 identifies the boundaries of the Primary Shopping Areas. 2. Where planning permission is required, proposals resulting in the loss of an E Class Use at ground floor must demonstrate that: i) the unit has been proactively and appropriately marketed for at least 12 months and it has been demonstrated that there is no longer a realistic prospect of the unit being used for E Class uses in the foreseeable future; ii) the proposal meets the needs of residents within the local neighbourhood; and iii) the proposal will not have an adverse impact on the vitality and viability of the centre as a whole. 3. Proposals for main town centre uses outside the Primary Shopping Areas, over the relevant thresholds will only be permitted provided the sequential test and an accompanying impact assessment have indicated that is appropriate to do so.

Town Centres

1. The Council will promote the continued role and functions of the town centres to positively contribute towards their viability, vitality, character and structure. The hierarchy of centres in the district is: - Major town centre: Didcot, Henley-on-Thames - Town centre: Thame, Wallingford - Local centre: Berinsfield, Benson, Chalgrove, Chinnor, Cholsey, Crowmarsh Gifford, Goring-on-Thames, Nettlebed, Sonning Common, Watlington, Wheatley, Woodcote. 2. The Policies Map identifies the boundaries of the four town centres. 3. To ensure the long-term vitality and viability of the town centres, the Council will apply a 'town centre first' approach to retail, services and other main town centre uses in accordance with the established hierarchy of centres. 4. For our local centres, development proposals will be permitted that: i) provide retail and leisure uses within the centres through infill development and small scale redevelopment; ii) provide small scale retail or leisure development that contributes to the vitality and viability of the villages whilst not undermining the retail roles of the towns; iii) seek to improve access and movement for all users. 5. Development proposals for uses within Class E will be permitted within the town centre boundaries. Retail, leisure, office and other main town centre uses will continue to be directed to these centres inline with the sequential approach set out in the NPPF. 6. Where planning permission is required any retail, leisure and office development proposed outside these centres must be subject to an impact assessment, appropriate to the use, where the proposed gross floorspace is greater than the local threshold of 500sqm.

Supporting Strategic Transport Investment Across the Oxford to Cambridge Arc

Positive progress towards the Oxford to Cambridge Arc's identified priorities

Supporting Strategic Transport Investment

To support the development and delivery of transport projects

Promoting Sustainable Transport and Accessibility

1. The Council will work with Oxfordshire County Council and others to: i) ensure that where new development is located close to, or along, existing strategic public transport corridors, bus and/or rail services can be promoted and strengthened in response to increases in demand for travel and freight; ii) plan positively for rail improvements within the area that support improved connectivity to areas of new development; iii) ensure new development is designed to encourage walking and cycling, not only within the development, but also to nearby facilities, employment and public transport hubs; iv) support provision of measures which improve public transport (including Park & Ride), cycling and walking networks within and between towns and villages in the district; v) support, where relevant, sustainable transport improvements in the wider Didcot Garden Town area and in and around Oxford, particularly where they improve access to strategic development locations; vi) promote and support improvements to the transport network which increase safety, improve air quality, encourage use of sustainable modes of transport and/or make our towns and villages more attractive; vii) adopt an approach to the provision and management of car parking aimed at improving the attraction of our town and village centres; and viii) ensure the needs of all users, including those with impaired mobility are planned for in development of transport improvements.

Safeguarding of Land for Strategic Transport Schemes

1. Land is safeguarded to support the delivery of the following identified transport schemes: • Clifton Hampden bypass • A new Thames River crossing between Culham and Didcot Garden Town • Didcot Northern Perimeter Road • Science Bridge, Didcot • (A4130/ B4493) Didcot Central transport corridor improvements • Southern Didcot Spine Road • A4130 road safety improvements • A4074/ B4015 (Golden Balls) junction improvements • A bypass for Watlington • A bypass for Benson • A bypass for Southern Abingdon • A new Park and Ride site at Sandford to the south-east of Oxford. 2. New development in these areas should be carefully designed having regard to matters such as building layout, noise insulation, landscaping, the historic environment and means of access. 3. Any proposals for development that may reasonably be considered to impact upon the delivery of the identified schemes should demonstrate the proposal would not harm their delivery. 4. Planning permission will not be granted for development that would prejudice the construction or effective operation of the transport schemes listed above. 5. As the options for the schemes progress, the impact of the schemes will be subject to thorough assessment. This will include full environmental and archaeological assessments working in association with the relevant statutory bodies. Where schemes are located in areas of Flood Zones 2 and 3, a flood risk sequential test and the exception test should be undertaken as part of the appraisal process.

Transport Assessments, Transport Statements and Travel Plans

1. Proposals for new developments which have significant transport implications that either arise from the development proposed or cumulatively with other proposals will need to submit a Transport Assessment or a Transport Statement, and where relevant a Travel Plan. These documents will need to take into account Oxfordshire County Council guidance and Planning Practice Guidance and where appropriate, the scope should be agreed with Highways England. 2. Appropriate provision for works and/or contributions will be required towards providing an adequate level of accessibility by all modes of transport and mitigating the impacts on the transport network. Consideration should be given to the cumulative impact of relevant development both in South Oxfordshire and adjacent authorities, and how this links to planned infrastructure improvements. This should take into account the latest evidence base work, which, where relevant, will inform the scoping of the Transport Assessment and Travel Plan. 3. The Transport Assessment or Transport Statement should, where relevant: i) illustrate accessibility to the site by all modes of transport; ii) show the likely modal split of journeys to and from the site; iii) detail the proposed measures to improve access by public transport, cycling and walking to reduce the need for car travel and reduce transport impacts; iv) illustrate the impact on the highway network and the impact of proposed mitigation measures where necessary; v) include a Travel Plan (that considers all relevant forms of transport including accessible transport for disabled people) where appropriate; and vi) outline the approach to parking provision. 4. Where relevant, evidence obtained from this detailed work will inform the number and phasing of homes to be permitted on proposed development sites and will be established (and potentially conditioned) through the planning application process, in consultation with the highway authority. 5. In accordance with the guidance, Travel Plans will be required, implemented and monitored for all developments that will generate significant amounts of movement.

Consideration of Development Proposals

To ensure all planning permissions are only granted in accordance with the policy

Rail

To ensure all planning permissions are only granted in accordance with the policy

Development Generating New Lorry Movements

To ensure all planning permissions are only granted in accordance with the policy

Strategic Approach

• Focusing major new development in Science Vale including sustainable growth at Didcot Garden Town and Culham so that this area can play an enhanced role in providing homes, jobs and services with improved transport connectivity; • Providing strategic allocations…including necessary infrastructure and community facilities; • Supporting and enhancing the economic and social dependencies between our towns and villages; • Supporting the roles of Henley-on-Thames, Thame and Wallingford by maintaining and improving the attractiveness of their town centres through measures that include environmental improvements and mixed-use developments and by providing new homes, jobs, services and infrastructure; • Meeting unmet housing needs of Oxford City…adjacent to the boundary of Oxford near to where that need arises; • Supporting and enhancing the roles of the larger villages…. as local service centres; • Supporting smaller and other villages by allowing for limited amounts of housing and employment to help secure the provision and retention of services; • Contributing to tacking climate change.

Supporting Strategic Transport Investment Across the Oxford to Cambridge Arc

1. The Council will work with Network Rail, Highways England, the National Infrastructure Commission, Oxfordshire County Council and others to: i) plan for, and understand the impacts of changes to rail infrastructure and service improvements linked to East-West rail; and ii) plan for, and understand impacts and required mitigation associated with the Oxford to Cambridge Arc.

Supporting Strategic Transport Investment

1. The Council will work with Oxfordshire County Council and others to: i) deliver the transport infrastructure which improves movement in and around Didcot, including measures that help support delivery of the Didcot Garden Town; ii) support measures identified in the Local Transport Plan for the district including within the relevant area strategies; iii) support sustainable transport measures that improve access to/from proposed major development around Oxford; iv) support delivery of the safeguarded transport improvements as required to help deliver the development required in this plan period and beyond; v) ensure that the impacts of new development on the strategic and local road network, including the A34 and M40, are adequately mitigated; vi) plan for improvements in the Reading area, including a proposal for a new River Thames crossing, subject to ensuring that any traffic and environmental impacts of those measures do not result in adverse impacts on South Oxfordshire; vii) support the development and delivery of a new Thames River crossing between Culham and Didcot Garden Town, the A4130 widening and road safety improvements from the A34 Milton Interchange to Didcot, a Science Bridge over the A4130 and railway into the former Didcot A power station site and the Clifton Hampden Bypass; viii) support, in association with major development, the delivery of new or improved roads, such as a bypass or edge road, including sustainable transport improvements, linked where appropriate with relevant Neighbourhood Development Plans and any wider County Council highway infrastructure strategy; and ix) support the delivery of the Cowley Branch Line.

Strategic Transport Improvements

The Council will work with Oxfordshire County Council and others to: i) ensure that where new development is located close to, or along, existing strategic public transport corridors, bus and/or rail services can be promoted and strengthened in response to increases in demand for travel and freight; ii) plan positively for rail improvements within the area that support improved connectivity to areas of new development; iii) ensure new development is designed to encourage walking and cycling, not only within the development, but also to nearby facilities, employment and public transport hubs; iv) support provision of measures which improve public transport (including Park & Ride), cycling and walking networks within and between towns and villages in the district; v) support, where relevant, sustainable transport improvements in the wider Didcot Garden Town area and in and around Oxford, particularly where they improve access to strategic development locations; vi) promote and support improvements to the transport network which increase safety, improve air quality, encourage use of sustainable modes of transport and/or make our towns and villages more attractive.

Safeguarded Transport Land

1. Land is safeguarded to support the delivery of the following identified transport schemes: - Clifton Hampden bypass - A new Thames River crossing between Culham and Didcot Garden Town - Didcot Northern Perimeter Road - Science Bridge, Didcot - (A4130/ B4493) Didcot Central transport corridor improvements - Southern Didcot Spine Road - A4130 road safety improvements - A4074/ B4015 (Golden Balls) junction improvements - A bypass for Watlington - A bypass for Benson - A bypass for Southern Abingdon - A new Park and Ride site at Sandford to the south-east of Oxford. 2. New development in these areas should be carefully designed having regard to matters such as building layout, noise insulation, landscaping, the historic environment and means of access. 3. Any proposals for development that may reasonably be considered to impact upon the delivery of the identified schemes should demonstrate the proposal would not harm their delivery. 4. Planning permission will not be granted for development that would prejudice the construction or effective operation of the transport schemes listed above. 5. As the options for the schemes progress, the impact of the schemes will be subject to thorough assessment. This will include full environmental and archaeological assessments working in association with the relevant statutory bodies. Where schemes are located in areas of Flood Zones 2 and 3, a flood risk sequential test and the exception test should be undertaken as part of the appraisal process.

Transport Assessment

The Transport Assessment or Transport Statement should, where relevant: i) illustrate accessibility to the site by all modes of transport; ii) show the likely modal split of journeys to and from the site; iii) detail the proposed measures to improve access by public transport, cycling and walking to reduce the need for car travel and reduce transport impacts.

Consideration of Development Proposals

1. Proposals for all types of development will, where appropriate: i) provide for a safe and convenient access for all users to the highway network; ii) provide safe and convenient routes for cyclists and pedestrians, both within the development, and including links to rights of way and other off-site walking and cycling routes where relevant; iii) provide for covered, secure and safe cycle parking, complemented by other facilities to support cycling where relevant; iv) be designed to facilitate access to high quality public transport routes, including safe walking routes to nearby bus stops or new bus stops; v) provide for appropriate public transport infrastructure; vi) be served by an adequate road network which can accommodate traffic without creating traffic hazards or damage to the environment; vii) where new roads, pedestrian routes, cycleways and street lighting are to be constructed as part of the development, they should be constructed to adoptable standards and be completed as soon as they are required to serve the development; viii) make adequate provision for those whose mobility is impaired; ix) be designed to enable charging of plug-in and other low-emission vehicles in safe, accessible and convenient locations; x) provide for loading, unloading, circulation and turning space; xi) be designed to enable the servicing of properties by refuse collection vehicles; xii) provide for parking for disabled people; xiii) provide for the parking of vehicles in accordance with Oxfordshire County Council parking standards, unless specific evidence is provided to justify otherwise; and xiv) provide facilities to support the take up of electric and/or low-emission vehicles.

Rail

1. Where required, and not covered within the scope of permitted development, planning permission will be granted for proposals which: i) improve rail services in South Oxfordshire; ii) improve access to rail services including for disabled people; and/or iii) improve facilities at railway stations such as car and cycle parking and upgrades to interchanges provided that there are no significant adverse effects on the environment or amenities of residents.

Development Generating New Lorry Movements

1. Proposals for development leading to significant increases in lorry movements, such as freight distribution depots should only be permitted in locations where: i) any increase in lorry movements can be appropriately accommodated on the surrounding road network; ii) the opportunities for sustainable transport access have been maximised; and iii) the development does not result in adverse environmental effects on the surrounding area.