
Planning Applications – The Process
Planning applications are handled by West Oxfordshire District Council (WODC), but Charlbury Town Council (CTC) plays an important advisory role in the process.
Who is responsible for what?
- West Oxfordshire District Council (WODC)
- Makes the final decision on planning applications.
- Assesses applications based on local and national planning policies.
- Consults relevant bodies, including parish and town councils.
- Handles planning enforcement and appeals.
- Charlbury Town Council (CTC)
- Acts as a consultee in the planning process but does not make final decisions.
- Reviews applications at public planning meetings.
- Submits comments to WODC, considering policies, community impact, and resident feedback.
- Can support or object to applications but cannot approve or refuse them.
How to Have Your Say on a Planning Application
- Submit Comments to WODC
- Residents can comment on applications via the WODC planning portal.
- Comments should reference relevant planning policies or potential impact.
- Engage with Charlbury Town Council
- Attend CTC Planning Meetings, where residents can speak on applications.
- Email or contact town councillors before meetings to share your views.
- View meeting agendas on the Town Council website or noticeboards.
- Follow the Decision Process
- WODC will review all responses before making a decision.
- If an application is refused, the applicant may appeal, which is handled by the Planning Inspectorate.
For more information or to view planning applications, visit: https://www.westoxon.gov.uk/residents/planning-building/
Below are the current planning applications lodged with West Oxfordshire District Council.
Click on the Ref no to see details of an application on the WODC planning portal.
New planning applications (to be discussed at the planning meeting on 25th August 2025 IF HELD):
Ref no: | Address: | Proposal: |
Planning outstanding (currently with WODC):
Ref no: | Address: | Proposal: | Town Council Decision |
25/01473/FUL | 6 Wellington Cottages Charlbury | Change of use of dwelling to short-term and holiday letting | No comment |
25/01227/OUT | Broadstone Farm Ditchley Road Charlbury | Outline planning permission (with some matters reserved except for means of access and layout) to demolish the existing agricultural building and erection of a self build dwellinghouse with associated operations | The Town Council objects to this application due to concerns about the potential for incremental development on the site. The Council also considers that the proposed design is not in keeping with the character and appearance of the surrounding area. |
25/01262/FUL & 25/01263/LBC | The Bull Inn, Sheep St, Charlbury | Retention of 2no. chimney fans on main pub building (retrospective). | The TC does not object to this application but asks that an appropriate contribution is sought to assist the efforts of the TC, WODC and OCC to address parking issues within the town centre in mitigation for the reduction of parking space provision (contrary to CNP policy ECT7) and in recognition of the increased requirements arising from the welcome success of the business. We acknowledge and welcome the success of the Bull and its contribution to bringing more visitors and business to the town and we seek to work with the business to address the consequent problematic parking issues. We also welcome the parking arrangement being sought with the cricket club in mitigation for the loss of spaces at the Bull – a good initiative. However, the following two points should be acknowledged in this regard: take-up of the proposed facility is likely to be limited by the relatively remote location of the Cricket Club grounds and the difficult and hilly pedestrian access to the town centre – a particular issue for those with mobility issues. Could the Bull offer an electric buggy shuttle service for users of this facility for example? the Cricket Club area can be liable to flooding as evidenced by the major flood event in mid-summer 2007. Climate change is likely to make such events more likely. We would also like to see improved signage on the exit from the car park such as one-way signs. |
25/01453/HHD | Ivy Cottage, Hixet Wood, Charlbury | Single storey rear extension | No objection |
23/03071/FUL | Land south of Forest Road, Charlbury | AMENDMENTS ONLY – Erection of thirty-seven dwellings including access road, landscaping and associated earthworks | The Town Council has no further comments, subject to assurance that the homes which have changed category (from first homes to social rent and discount market units) will continue to benefit from the same level of discount as previously, and that this discount remains in perpetuity. |
23/03071/FUL (amendments only) | Land south of Forest Rd, Charlbury | Erection of thirty-seven dwellings including access road, landscaping and associated earthworks | No objection to amendments with comments |
23/03136/FUL | Land And Woodland South Of Watermead Farm Spelsbury Road Charlbury | Change of Use from agricultural to ‘glamping’ campsite comprising 18 nos. camping units (8 nos. bell tents, 7 nos. shepherds huts and 3 nos. A-frame pods), ancillary facilities (including cafeteria and site reception, 2 nos. toilet and shower blocks, maintenance and storage barn), access and parking, and associated infrastructure | Object and comment |
23/03071/FUL | Land south of Forest Rd, Charlbury | Erection of thirty-seven dwellings including access road, landscaping and associated earthworks | Support subject to conditions |
24/02171/FUL | Land north of Woodstock Road, Charlbury | Erection of a residential development comprising 26 dwellings (inc. 46% affordable housing), the provision of public open space and landscaping, demolition of existing garages and provision of new vehicular access via Woodstock Road and pedestrian access to Hughes Close and associated works | Object |
Appeals currently lodged:
APP/D3125/ F/25/3368176 | Bell Hotel, Charlbury | Appeal against Listed Building Enforcement Notice – Unauthorised work to Grade II Listed Building | Statement of Support from Charlbury Town Council Charlbury Town Council wishes to formally express its support for the appeal against the enforcement notice relating to the wall and enclosed area adjacent to The Bell on Church Street. The Council originally objected to the planning application based on considerations of maintaining the historic integrity and visual character of the streetscape and the listed building, in line with policy NE2 of the Charlbury Neighbourhood Plan. However, after further observation and community feedback, the Council now recognises that the existing structure substantially enhances the visual appeal of the area, providing a positive contribution to the character of Church Street. The Council believes that the development, as built (rather than what was applied for), offers an improvement to the streetscape compared to the previous asphalt parking area, aligning with the local aim of preserving and enhancing Charlbury’s historic environment. We are therefore supportive of this appeal, considering it to be in the best interest of the town’s aesthetics and community value The Town Council supports the appeal and requests that, should it be upheld, a condition be applied to retain the wall as built and to limit the height of any associated planting or railings to that of the existing gate. This is to ensure that the view of The Bell from Church Street is preserved as an important aspect of the town centre’s visual character. The Council also notes that removal and potential reconstruction of the wall would involve unnecessary use of materials and labour, contributing avoidably to carbon emissions. In line with local and national climate objectives, the Council believes these environmental costs should be taken into consideration when determining the appeal. The Charlbury Town Council respectfully requests that this appeal be given due consideration, recognising the benefit this development has brought to Charlbury’s historic core and its surroundings. |
Planning Decisions:
Ref no: | Address: | Proposal: | Decision |
25/01250/HHD | Cuckoo Cottage Church Street Charlbury | Construction of a detached garden outbuilding for storage and to locate photovoltaic cells and internal battery system. | TC – No objection WODC – Approved |
25/00657/HHD | 37 Woodfield Drive, Charlbury | Extension of existing roof to create car port | TC -No objection WODC – Approved |
25/01206/S73 | 7 Kearsey Court Charlbury | Variation of condition 2 of Planning Permission 25/00215/HHD to allow the addition of a greenhouse | TC -No objection WODC – Approved |
25/01026/HHD | Woody Lane House Woody Lane, Charlbury | Demolition of existing extension comprising swimming pool and conservatory and erection of single storey extensions to create entrance porch, study and boot room. Alterations to fenestration and french door, Installation of first floor dormer in SE elevation and provision of additional chimney stack. Removal of existing garage/gardeners store and construction of detached outbuilding comprising garage and stores with first floor above | TC – No objection but request to plant native hedgerows/trees to compensate for recent tree felling. WODC – Approved subject to conditions for native hedgerow planting and biodiversity mitigation |
Planning appeal: 24/00051/APPEAL (original ref no: 23/02399/FUL) | Land north of Woodstock Road | Erection of a residential development comprising of 28 dwellings (inc. 50% affordable housing), the provision of public open space and landscaping, demolition of existing garages and provision of new garaging, a vehicular access via Woodstock Road and pedestrian access to Hughes Close together with associated works | Appeal dismissed |
25/00882/LBC & 25/00881/HHD | Ivy House, Church Lane, Charlbury | Demolition of garage and erection of studio, alterations to driveway including replacement of existing vehicle gate, widening of the vehicle access, replacement of existing pedestrian gate with timber gate, with associated landscaping and pergola | TC -Objection due to no appropriate mitigation measures for increased surface water run off WODC- Approved subject to approval of full surface water drainage scheme |
Minutes & Agendas
Draft Minutes – Planning meeting 21st July 2025
Agenda – Planning meeting 21st July 2025
Minutes – Planning meeting 23rd June 2025
Agenda – Planning meeting 23rd June 2025
Minutes – Planning meeting 19th May 2025
Agenda – Planning meeting 19th May 2025
Minutes – Planning meeting 28th April 2025
Agenda – Planning meeting 28th April 2025
Minutes-Planning meeting 24th March 2025
Agenda – Planning meeting 24th March 2025
Minutes – Planning meeting 24th February 2025
Agenda – Planning meeting 24th February 2025
Minutes – Planning meeting 20th January 2025
Agenda – Planning meeting 20th January 2025
Minutes – Planning meeting 9th December 2024
Agenda – Planning meeting 9th December 2024
Minutes – Planning meeting 25th November 2024
Agenda – Planning meeting 25th November 2024
Minutes – Planning meeting 21st October 2024
Agenda – Planning meeting 21st October 2024
Minutes – Planning meeting 23rd September 2024
Agenda – Planning meeting 23rd September 2024
Minutes – Planning meeting 19th August 2024
Agenda – Planning meeting 19th August 2024
Minutes – Planning meeting 15th July 2024
Agenda – Planning meeting 15th July 2024
Minutes – Planning meeting 24th June 2024
Agenda – Planning meeting 24th June 2024
No planning meeting was held May 2024
Minutes – Planning meeting 15th April 2024
Agenda – Planning meeting 15th April 2024
Minutes – Planning meeting 25th March 2024
Agenda – Planning meeting 25th March 2024
Minutes – Planning meeting 26th February 2024
Agenda – Planning meeting 26th February 2024
Minutes – Planning meeting 22nd January 2024
Agenda – Planning meeting 22nd January 2024
Minutes – Planning meeting 11th December 2023
Agenda – Planning meeting 11th December 2023
Minutes – Planning meeting 20th November 2023
Agenda – Planning meeting 20th November 2023
Minutes – Planning meeting 16th October 2023
Agenda – Planning meeting 16th October 2023
Minutes – Planning meeting 25th September 2023
Agenda – Planning meeting 25th September 2023
Minutes – Planning meeting 21st August 2023
Agenda – Planning meeting 21st August 2023
Minutes – Planning meeting 24th July 2023
Agenda – Planning meeting 24th July 2023
Minutes – Planning meeting 26th June 2023
Agenda – Planning meeting 26th June 2023
Minutes – Planning meeting 22nd May 2023
Agenda – Planning meeting 22nd May 2023
Minutes – Planning meeting 24th April 2023
Agenda – Planning meeting 24th April 2023
Minutes – Planning meeting 13th March 2023
Agenda – Planning meeting 13th March 2023
Minutes – Planning meeting 6th February 2023
Agenda – Planning meeting 6th February 2023
Minutes – Planning meeting 16th January 2023
Agenda – Planning meeting 16th January 2023
Minutes – Planning meeting 12th December 2022
Agenda – Planning meeting 12th December 2022
Minutes – Planning meeting 28th November 2022
Agenda – Planning meeting 28th November 2022
Minutes – Planning meeting 17th October 2022
Agenda – Planning meeting 17th October 2022
Minutes – Planning meeting 26th September 2022
Agenda – Planning meeting 26th September 2022