Decisions

Use the below search options at the bottom of the page to find information regarding recent decisions that have been taken by the council’s decision making bodies.

Alternatively you can visit the officer decisions page for information on officer delegated decisions that have been taken by council officers.

Earlier - Later

Decisions published

05/01/2021 - Appeal Decision - Appeal Ref: APP/D3125/X/20/3257288, Birdlip Close, Witney OX28 5GE ref: 767    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Climate, Biodiversity & Planning

Made at meeting: 05/01/2021 - Climate, Biodiversity & Planning

Decision published: 19/01/2021

Effective from: 05/01/2021

Decision:

The Committee received an appeal decision for 4 Birdlip Close on the erection of a fence.  Members were interested that in fact the appeal appeared to have been upheld on a technicality.  Officer advised that this should be noted as such applications were becoming more frequent and there was a notable occasion on which a resident had been instructed to remove a fence on appeal.

 

RESOLVED:          that the appeal decision be noted.

 


05/01/2021 - Planning Applications ref: 766    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Climate, Biodiversity & Planning

Made at meeting: 05/01/2021 - Climate, Biodiversity & Planning

Decision published: 19/01/2021

Effective from: 05/01/2021

Decision:

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

 

RESOLVED:          that the comments, as per the attached schedule, be forwarded to West Oxfordshire District Council.

 


15/12/2020 - Witney Town Council Carbon Footprint ref: 763    For Determination

Decision Maker: Climate, Biodiversity & Planning

Made at meeting: 15/12/2020 - Climate, Biodiversity & Planning

Decision published: 19/01/2021

Effective from: 15/12/2020

Decision:

The Committee received and considered the report of the Compliance and Environment Officer.

 

RECOMMENDED:             that the report be noted and: -

 

1.            that future Christmas Lighting contract to include timers on all lights that run reduced hours from dusk to midnight to cut emission;

 

2.            that the solar pv panels for The Leys and officers developing the project be approved in principle and that any required quotes are brought back to committee for approval.

 

Lead officer: Angus Whitburn


15/12/2020 - Lake and Country Park Update ref: 762    For Determination

Decision Maker: Climate, Biodiversity & Planning

Made at meeting: 15/12/2020 - Climate, Biodiversity & Planning

Decision published: 19/01/2021

Effective from: 15/12/2020

Decision:

The Committee received and considered the report of the Compliance and Environment Officer, along with three quotations.

 

RECOMMENDED:             that the report be noted and: -

 

1.            that the quote supplied by Frank Lucas for the commission of an enhanced phase 1 survey be accepted;

 

2.            that the Committee agrees that officer attention be focused on the creation of a management statement for the south section of the country park.

 

Lead officer: Angus Whitburn


15/12/2020 - Licensing Application Consultation W/20/00854/PRMA - Unit R1 Marriotts Walk ref: 760    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Climate, Biodiversity & Planning

Made at meeting: 15/12/2020 - Climate, Biodiversity & Planning

Decision published: 19/01/2021

Effective from: 15/12/2020

Decision:

The Committee received and considered a licensing application.  The Committee was pleased to support a new business and was pleased to support the application.

 

RESOLVED:          that the Town Council supports this application.

 


15/12/2020 - A40 Bus Lane and Eynsham Park & Ride Update ref: 761    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Climate, Biodiversity & Planning

Made at meeting: 15/12/2020 - Climate, Biodiversity & Planning

Decision published: 19/01/2021

Effective from: 15/12/2020

Decision:

The Committee received and considered an update from Oxfordshire County Council on the A40 Bus lane and the Park and Ride at Eynsham.

 

RESOLVED:          that the update be noted.

 


15/12/2020 - Consultation - Developer Contributions Supplementary Planning Document ref: 765    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Climate, Biodiversity & Planning

Made at meeting: 15/12/2020 - Climate, Biodiversity & Planning

Decision published: 19/01/2021

Effective from: 15/12/2020

Decision:

The Committee received and considered a consultation from West Oxfordshire District Council concerning developer contributions.  Members discussed the fact that the document would not be accessible in terms of language and terminology used to a lot of the general public.  The Committee also wished to have more autonomy and influence on where and how developer contributions were spent in the town.

 

RESOLVED: -       that the following response be submitted to West Oxfordshire District Council: -

 

This consultation does not communicate clearly to the public the intentions of how funding from developers will be sought.  It is 83 pages long and it does not summarise clearly at the front what will happen. The consultation appears impenetrable and unwieldy and the Town Council is concerned that the public may not understand and be able to engage with this.

 

The Town Council believe that the whole town is impacted by strategic development and wishes to be able to exercise discretion in where the developer contributions are spent, which is the whole point of the Community Infrastructure Levy.

 

The Town Council would appreciate much better collaboration between the three tiers of Council in terms of Section 106 contributions, to seek out and find solutions for the spending of Section 106 funds and a more transparent tracking system that allows the Town Council to know what has been allocated to Witney.

 

The Town Council would also appreciate an “easy read” version that everyone is able to understand.

 

 

 


15/12/2020 - Financial Report - Revised Budget 2020/21 and Estimates 2021/22 ref: 764    For Determination

Decision Maker: Climate, Biodiversity & Planning

Made at meeting: 15/12/2020 - Climate, Biodiversity & Planning

Decision published: 19/01/2021

Effective from: 15/12/2020

Decision:

The Committee received and considered the report of the Town Clerk/RFO.  There followed a lengthy discussion on what members would like to see included in the budget on terms of items connected with the climate emergency.

 

RECOMMENDED:             that the report be noted and: -

 

1.            that the budget for the Burwell Hall heating be increased from £15,000 already set aside to £30, 000 but using the £10, 000 budgeted for the patio and that an additional supplementary £5, 000 be included; 

 

2.            that this is be delegated to officers to look into the best option for the Burwell heating – including air/ground source heat pumps;

 

3.            that it is continued to set aside £5, 000 year on year towards upgrading the Council’s fleet of work vehicles to electric;

 

4.            that the Council increases its budget to £15, 000 towards unspecified climate emergency projects;

 

5.            that the Council continues to budget £10, 000 towards the Lake and Country park/Biodiversity;

 

6.            that the £1, 000 budgeted for the Eco/Green pop up event in 2021 be split between this event -£400 - and £600 for a thermal imaging camera.

 

 

 

Lead officer: Sharon Groth


15/12/2020 - Planning Applications ref: 759    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Climate, Biodiversity & Planning

Made at meeting: 15/12/2020 - Climate, Biodiversity & Planning

Decision published: 19/01/2021

Effective from: 15/12/2020

Decision:

The Committee received and considered the 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.

 


24/11/2020 - Apologies for absence ref: 717    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Climate, Biodiversity & Planning

Made at meeting: 24/11/2020 - Climate, Biodiversity & Planning

Decision published: 19/01/2021

Effective from: 24/11/2020

Decision:

There were no apologies for absence.

 


24/11/2020 - CONSULTATION – Corn Street and Newland (Witney) - Proposed Bus Stop Kerbed Build-outs ref: 722    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Climate, Biodiversity & Planning

Made at meeting: 24/11/2020 - Climate, Biodiversity & Planning

Decision published: 19/01/2021

Effective from: 24/11/2020

Decision:

The Committee received and considered a consultation from Oxfordshire County Council concerning alterations to bus stops in the town.

 

The Democratic Services Officer explained that she had taken a telephone call from a couple with accessibility issues at the Newland Stop, which had been taken up with County Councillor Suzanne Bartington.  Members agreed that this would be a welcome improvement.

 

RESOLVED:         that the Town Council supports the proposed alterations to bus stops on Corn Street and Newland.

 


24/11/2020 - Minutes ref: 718    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Climate, Biodiversity & Planning

Made at meeting: 24/11/2020 - Climate, Biodiversity & Planning

Decision published: 19/01/2021

Effective from: 24/11/2020

Decision:

The Committee received and considered the minutes of the meetings held on 22 September, 13 October and 3 November 2020.

 

RESOLVED:          that the minutes of the meetings held on 22 September, 13 October and 3 November 2020 be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair with Cllr Gwatkin’s apologies being added to the latter.

 

 


24/11/2020 - Suspension of Standing Orders ref: 721    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Climate, Biodiversity & Planning

Made at meeting: 24/11/2020 - Climate, Biodiversity & Planning

Decision published: 19/01/2021

Effective from: 24/11/2020

Decision:

RESOLVED:          to suspend Standing Order 48(a) to allow the meeting to continue for a further 10 minutes.


24/11/2020 - Licensing Application Consultation W/20/00773/PRMA - 89 Corn Street ref: 724    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Climate, Biodiversity & Planning

Made at meeting: 24/11/2020 - Climate, Biodiversity & Planning

Decision published: 19/01/2021

Effective from: 24/11/2020

Decision:

The Committee received and considered an application for a licence to sell alcohol by a grocery shop in Corn Street.

 

RESOLVED:          that Witney Town Council supports this application.

 


24/11/2020 - Traffic Advisory Committee Minutes ref: 723    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Climate, Biodiversity & Planning

Made at meeting: 24/11/2020 - Climate, Biodiversity & Planning

Decision published: 19/01/2021

Effective from: 24/11/2020

Decision:

The Committee received and considered the minutes of the Traffic Advisory Committee held on 29 September 2020.

 

RESOLVED:          that the minutes be noted.

 


24/11/2020 - Planning Decisions ref: 720    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Climate, Biodiversity & Planning

Made at meeting: 24/11/2020 - Climate, Biodiversity & Planning

Decision published: 19/01/2021

Effective from: 24/11/2020

Decision:

The Committee received and considered the schedule of planning decisions taken by West Oxfordshire District Council.

 

RESOLVED:         that the schedule as circulated be noted.

 


24/11/2020 - Planning Applications ref: 719    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Climate, Biodiversity & Planning

Made at meeting: 24/11/2020 - Climate, Biodiversity & Planning

Decision published: 19/01/2021

Effective from: 24/11/2020

Decision:

The applications were moved up the agenda with the express permission of the Chair so that the member of the public could hear the debate. 

 

Members discussed the application for the Land South East of Oxford Hill, at length and delegated their response and any technical specification for paths and cycleways to Officers. Delegation on the wording for S106 contributions was made to Officers, the Chair and Vice Chair.  The response is attached separately to the planning schedule.

 

RESOLVED:         that the comments, as per the attached schedule, be forwarded to West Oxfordshire District Council and Oxfordshire County Council where relevant.

 

 

 

 


12/01/2021 - Organisation Review - Final Report ref: 793    For Determination

Decision Maker: Full Council

Made at meeting: 12/01/2021 - Full Council

Decision published: 12/01/2021

Effective from: 12/01/2021

Decision:

The council received a presentation from LGRC Associates and considered the recommendations as presented in the confidential final report.

 

RESOLVED:          that the confidential report of LGRC Associates be noted and the recommendations contained therein agreed.


11/01/2021 - Corn Exchange Refurbishment Update ref: 777    For Determination

Decision Maker: Corn Exchange Working Party

Made at meeting: 11/01/2021 - Corn Exchange Working Party

Decision published: 11/01/2021

Effective from: 11/01/2021

Decision:

The Working Party received and considered the report of the Office Manager as circulated with the agenda.

 

Members were advised that progress on a Community Cinema in the Corn Exchange was on hold due to the Covid-19 lockdown. Further discussions would be held on this project when Government guidance allowed.

 

The Working Party was also advised that Oxford Arts Consultants would not be available to offer technical advice on the enhancements to the Main Hall in the Corn Exchange; these being retractable seating, lighting, sound and acoustics.

 

With funds of approximately £132,000 available to make these improvements via earmarked reserves, Section 106 contributions and a Community Facilities Grant from West Oxfordshire District Council, the project was at an important juncture. The Venue Manager was currently attempting to source other consultants and members asked if previous quotes could be revisited as part of this process. Once expertise had been sourced, a tender could be advertised.

 

RECOMMENDED: - that the report be noted and: -

 

That the Venue Manager reviews original quotations concerning the refurbishment of the Main Hall of the Corn Exchange, the previous consultants no longer being involved in this part of the project.

Lead officer: Adam Clapton


11/01/2021 - 1863 Cafe Bar Operation ref: 776    For Determination

Decision Maker: Corn Exchange Working Party

Made at meeting: 11/01/2021 - Corn Exchange Working Party

Decision published: 11/01/2021

Effective from: 11/01/2021

Decision:

Members received and considered the report of the Office Manager as circulated with the agenda.

 

The Working Party was advised that the daytime weekly sales figures were not what had been hoped for in the run up to Christmas; the equipment and staffing costs were currently outweighing sales and this was unlikely to change in the immediate future. However, the jazz evening takings in December had been encouraging.

 

The Working Party agreed that consumer confidence and footfall in the town had been severely dented due to the pandemic which had impacted on the sales for such a new venture. Although the Corn Exchange and café would currently remain closed due to the pandemic, members discussed the merits of reducing day-time opening hours in the future and felt that it was important to have a clear plan moving forward for the Council, staff and customers.

 

Members agreed with the recommendations by officers and asked that as the weather improves, an element of flexibility is incorporated into plans in relation to opening days and outside seating.

 

As the café had not had time to fully establish itself it was agreed that amending drink charges was not something to consider at this point but would be undertaken by the Venue Manager as a matter of course in the future.

 

RECOMMENDED: - that the report be noted and: -

 

1.       That the 1863 Café Bar opens three days a week in the daytime (Thursday through to Saturday) with indoor seating when the Government guidance allows, to maximise the possibility of the Council meeting its running costs, and;

 

2.       That this will be reviewed on a two-weekly basis, or based on up-to-date guidance and perceived footfall in the town, and;

 

3.       That this decision be delegated to the Venue Manager & Office Manager/Town Clerk so that they may be acted on quickly and effectively, and;

 

4.       That these decisions be reported to the next appropriate meeting of this Working Party, or Halls, Cemeteries & Allotments Committee, whichever should fall first.

 

5.       That a full weekly opening of the 1863 Café Bar is delayed until the effective end of the Covid-19 Pandemic, and;

 

6.       At that time there is an official opening event with appropriate entertainment and publicity.

 

7.       That outdoor seating (complimenting the indoor seating) is utilised safely when the guidance and weather allow on non-Market days.

Lead officer: Adam Clapton