Agenda and draft minutes

To consider apologies and reasons for absence.

Committee Members who are unable to attend the meeting should notify the Committee Clerk derek.mackenzie@witney-tc.gov.uk prior to the meeting, stating the reason for absence.

Standing Order 8(e)(v) permits the appointment of substitute Councillors to a Committee whose role is to replace ordinary Councillors  ...  view the full agenda text for item P336

No apologies for absence were received.

Members are reminded to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests in any of the items under consideration at this meeting in accordance with the Town Council’s code of conduct.

There were no declarations of interest from Members.

To elect a Vice-Chair of the Committee for the 2026/27 Municipal Year.

The Chair called for nominations for the position of Vice-Chair of the Committee.

It was proposed and seconded that Councillor J Aitman be elected. There being no other nominations it was:

Resolved:

That, Councillor Joy Aitman be elected Vice-Chair of the Committee for the 2026/27 municipal year.

a) To adopt and sign as correct the minutes of the Committees held on 31 March, 21 April, 12 May & 2 June 2026.

b) Matters arising from the minutes of 31 March, 21 April, 12 May & 2 June 2026.

The minutes of the Planning & Development Committee meetings held on 31 March, 21 April, 12 May & 2 June 2026 were received.

There were no matters arising.

Resolved:

That, the minutes of the Planning & Development Committee meetings held on 31 March, 21 April, 12 May & 2 June 2026 be approved as  ...  view the full minutes text for item P339

The meeting will adjourn for this item.

Members of the public may speak for a maximum of five minutes each during the period of public participation, in line with Standing Order 25. Matters raised shall relate to the following items on the agenda.

There was no public participation.

To receive and consider a schedule of Planning Applications from West Oxfordshire District Council.

The Committee received and considered a schedule of planning applications from West Oxfordshire District Council.

Resolved:

That, the comments, as per the attached schedule be forwarded to West Oxfordshire District Council.

To receive and consider a schedule of planning decisions from West Oxfordshire District Council.

The Committee received and considered a schedule of planning decisions received from West Oxfordshire District Council (WODC).

The Committee Clerk summarised the reasoning for the decisions that were contrary to the Committee’s submission. Members were pleased to see the number of applications that endorsed their comments.

Resolved:

That, the list  ...  view the full minutes text for item P342

Cllr J Treloar left the meeting at 6:20pm

To receive and consider the report of the Deputy Town Clerk.

The Committee received and considered the report of the Deputy Town Clerk which outlined the current Terms of Reference for the Committee along with any changes for consideration.

No recommendations for change were made.

Recommended:

1.    That, the report be noted and;

2.    That, the recommended changes be approved at  ...  view the full minutes text for item P343

Cllr J Treloar returned to the meeting at 6:22pm

To consider an application for a Minor Variation of Premises Licence for Smarts Take Away, 50 Market Square, Witney under the Licensing Act 2003.

The Committee noted the Application for Minor Variation from Smarts Take Away, 50 Market Square under the Licencing Act 2003.

Resolved:

That, a No Objection response be forwarded to the licencing team at West Oxfordshire District Council.

To consider application W/26/00596/PRMA for a New Premises Licence at The Leys, Witney under the Licensing Act 2003.

The Committee received the application from Courtside CIC, The Leys for a new premises licence. 

Members noted their position as the landowner on which the premises stood along with their duty as elected representatives being consulted through this process. The Committee welcomed the new facility being made available to the  ...  view the full minutes text for item P345

To receive a notification of Planning Appeal 26/00015/APPEAL Original application number 26/00373/FUL and consider the submission of additional, or modification of existing comments.

The Committee received notification of Planning Appeal 26/00015/APPEAL respect of 10 Hangar Close, Witney.

Members considered their original response submitted 10 March 2026. It was agreed unanimously that the submission was comprehensive and therefore no additional submission should be submitted. 

Resolved:

That, the notification of the Planning Appeal be noted.  ...  view the full minutes text for item P346

Cllr D Temple left the meeting during the following agenda item at 6:46pm

To receive an expression of interest notice from Oxfordshire County Council regarding a pilot programme on Quiet Lanes.

Members may wish to determine this matter at the meeting or, if considered appropriate, refer it to Full Council on 13 July 2026 for a decision.

The Committee received and considered correspondence from Oxfordshire County Council regarding the Quiet Lanes pilot programme and considered potential locations within Witney.

Members discussed a number of suggested routes, including Church Lane, Avenue Two/Station Lane, Farm Mill Lane, Narrow Hill, Burwell Meadow, High Street, Puck Lane, Gloucester Place and Farmers  ...  view the full minutes text for item P347

With the express permission of the Chair, the Committee received and considered the Pavement Licence renewal application for Fleece & Flagon, 47 Corn Street under the Business and Planning Act 2020.

Given the short statutory timescale for Witney Town Council to respond, documents had been circulated electronically to members of this  ...  view the full minutes text for item P348