The Local Planning Authority instructed Gary Grant of Kings Chambers to represent them at Public Inquiry on a mixed use scheme anchored by Marks and Spencer and Next. Whilst there was no disagreement on retail impact the Inspector agreed with the LPA that the failure to provide a dual aspect to one of the key buildings and appropriate design response was not in keeping with the existing and proposed residential context of the immediate area. The decision is also of interest as the Inspector agreed with both the LPA and r6 Party that the highways impact of the proposals arising from cumulative congestion were severe under §32 of NPPF and that the Appellant’s approach to mitigation was unsatisfactory.
The decision of the Inspector on APP/C3105/W/15/3137608 [ Land to the west of Oxford Road, Bicester ] can be reviewed here.
