A 60-home development in an Oxfordshire village has been unanimously refused by district council planning chiefs. 

Developer Gladman applied for the homes at Quarry Close in Bloxham. 

The developer previously had an application refused at the same site and has since lodged an appeal. 

Planning officers recommended refusal over the potential harm it could cause to the area.

Speaking at Cherwell District Council's planning committee on Thursday, October 3, planning officer Andrew Thompson said: “It is too far from all the shops and services. We think this is the wrong site for an extension to Bloxham.”

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60 homes plan (Image: Cherwell District Council) In officer's report, he said: “Overall, irrespective of the council’s housing land supply, it is considered that the identified harm to the character and appearance of the locality and the potential detrimental impact to protected species and their habitat the proposed development is considered to represent unsustainable development and would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of the scheme, and it is recommended that planning permission is refused. 

“By reason of its location more than 800m walking distance from the village centre and any key amenities in the village, the proposal would be poorly connected to existing development, such that future occupiers would not have a realistic choice of means of travel.

“The site is located outside the built form of Bloxham and within an area of open countryside. By reason of its location and the proposed scale of development, the proposal would have a poor and incongruous relationship with the existing settlement appearing prominent in the open countryside and filling an important gap to Park Farm. Its development would therefore have an adverse effect on the landscape on the approach to Bloxham to the detriment of the character and appearance of the countryside.”

Rob Pattenden, ward councillor for Adderbury, Bloxham and Bodicote, said: “This is the second time this has appeared before the committee. Last was refused last time. I can't see a compelling reason for the committee to change its position. The development will be out on a limb compared to the rest of the village. There are no facilities within walking distance. It will be inconvenient for residents. Lots of residents have concerns regarding an increase in traffic. 

“Anyone who has driven through Bloxham roads knows it's a challenge already. I encourage members to reject this.”

Amanda Watkins, committee vice-chairman, said: “People at this development will be reliant on their cars and we are trying to move away from that.”

The application was unanimously refused by the planning committee.