The Parish Council is pleased to announce that the planning appeal regarding the proposed Beechcroft development on the Orchard–Braze Lane site has been formally dismissed following a recent public inquiry.

The Planning Inspector found that the development conflicted with both the Benson Neighbourhood Plan and South Oxfordshire District Council’s Local Plan. Key concerns identified in the decision included the significant visual impact of the scheme, the encroachment into Benson’s carefully planned green buffer, and the development’s failure to provide adequate sustainable access for future residents, such as safe walking and cycling routes.

The Inspector’s decision reinforces the strength and importance of Benson’s Neighbourhood Plan in safeguarding the character and setting of the village. As the local planning landscape continues to evolve, work to update the plan will soon be necessary, and the Parish Council welcomes volunteers with planning, environmental, or technical expertise (or just a willingness to learn) who may wish to contribute.

The full appeal decision can be seen by visiting the Planning Inspectorate’s case page
https://acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/ViewCase.aspx?caseid=3374232

Thanks to the whole team who worked so hard on this and everyone in the village who turned up to the public inquiry and supported us.