District council planners have begrudgingly approved a scheme for nine new homes in an Oxfordshire village, fearing they would lose an appeal if it was refused. 

The scheme will see the homes replace one in Lower Icknield Way in Chinnor. 

The application, submitted from BHK Icknield, was previously refused for 10 homes. It was dismissed at an appeal but the inspector agreed with the principal of the development. 

South Oxfordshire District Council's planning committee approved the scheme on Wednesday, October 30. 

Objections have been raised by locals as well as Chinnor Parish Council. A total of 26 people submitted their opposition. 

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Chinnor site (Image: South Oxfordshire District Council) Jackie Webb, chairwoman of amenities and environment on Chinnor Parish Council, said: “We object in the strongest terms to the recommendations. The parish council's views are material to planning and not unreasonable. 

“The proposed development on this site does not meet the housing needs specified in Chinnor's neighbourhood plan. 

“Young people growing up in Chinnor have to move away because the village can't support their housing needs. There is increasing need for housing for the elderly in Chinnor. 

“The parish council urges the planning committee not to accept the officers' recommendation and to continue to refuse this and any other future applications on this site for market value housing.”

Neil Warner, the applicants' agent, said: “The site is a suitable location for new dwellings and accords with the development plan. The scheme is not demonstrably harmful to any material planning consideration. 

“This will provide much needed new dwelling for Chinnor.”

Ali Gordon-Creed, the site's ward councillor, added: “Chinnor does not have a need for much-needed housing. Chinnor has increased 40 per cent in the last 10 years. This does not provide the housing that Chinnor needs so desperately. Chinnor is full of houses like this. 

“This is difficult because it won't enhance Chinnor in any way, it will have a huge impact on that road.”

Councillor Ed Sadler proposed that the application be refused.

He said: “Chinnor has been overdeveloped. There will be an increased number of car movements on a road that isn't suitable. We don't have sufficient public transport, nine houses will potentially bring 18 cars with it.”

However, he did not have a seconder. 

Councillor James Norman added: “This is an extremely difficult matter and it's appalling to be disagreeing with the ward councillors. But my understanding is that our hands are tied, we have no option. We have the option to refuse it, but that would be overturned at an appeal almost immediately. 

“I don't welcome it at all, but we have absolutely no choice.”

District councillor David Bretherton added: “I have a great deal of sympathy with Chinnor, but we are policy driven. There are no policies to refuse this on.”

The scheme was permitted with five votes for and two against.