1.	Application Site and Locality 

1.1	The site comprises of 6.5 hectares (16 acres) of Land at Langford Lane, the site is bounded by Oxford Motor Park to the East, Campsfield House Detention Centre to the West and Greenfield to the South.     
2.	Description of Proposed Development
2.1	The current proposal is for the erection of 2 Non-illuminated signs. The non-illuminated signs would measure approximately 0.07m in depth, 2.9m width with an overall height 2.9m. The application relates to the amended plans received on the (07.01.2016) of additional elevation and location of the proposed signs.
3.	Relevant Planning History

App Ref	Description	Status	
	
14/00038/SO	Screening Opinion - New build Technology Park comprising 38,000 square metres of office, laboratory, storage and ancillary space	EIANO	
	
14/02067/OUT	OUTLINE - New build Technology Park comprising 40,362 sq.m. of office, research and development, laboratory, storage and ancillary space	PDE	
	
4.	Publicity

4.1	The application was publicised by a way of neighbour notification letters (2) and Site notice posted (1). One letter received. Issues raised include lack of information and erection of billboards without Planning permission. Final date for comment (05.02.2016). 
5.	Response to Consultation
5.1	Kidlington Parish Council:
No objections 
5.2	Oxfordshire County Council:
Highways/Transport – Looking at the above application I have the following recommendation.
Oxfordshire County Council, as the Local Highways Authority have no objections to the proposals outlined in this application.  That is to say, they will have no adverse impact upon the highway from a traffic and safety point of view.
5.3	Other External Consultees:
N/A

6.	Relevant National and Local Planning Policy and Guidance

Development Plan Policies

The Cherwell Local Plan 2011-2031 - Part 1 was formally adopted by Cherwell District Council on 20th July 2015 and provides the strategic planning policy framework for the District to 2031.  The Local Plan 2011-2031 – Part 1 replaced a number of the ‘saved’ policies of the adopted Cherwell Local Plan 1996 though many of its policies are retained and remain part of the development plan. The relevant planning policies of Cherwell District’s statutory Development Plan are set out below:

Cherwell Local Plan 2011 - 2031 Part 1

ESD15 - The Character of the Built and Historic Environment

Other Material Planning Considerations

National Planning Policy Framework (The Framework) especially paragraph 67
Planning Practice Guidance (NPPG)

Other Material Planning Considerations

National Planning Policy Framework (The Framework)
Planning Practice Guidance (NPPG)

7.	Appraisal

The key issues for consideration in this case are:
         Impact on visual amenity
         Impact on public safety  

7.1	Impact on visual amenity
The proposed advertisements would be visible from the public domain of the highway and would be acceptable in terms of scale, siting, materials and appearance. The proposal would not result in a development that is significantly harmful to the visual amenities of the locality. 

It is therefore considered that the proposal would accord with Policy ESD15 of the Cherwell Local Plan 2011 - 2031 Part 1 and paragraph 67 of the Framework.

7.2    Public safety
The Local Highways Authority raises no objections to the application on the grounds of highway safety and the proposal would not significantly or demonstrably impact on public safety.  
7.3    Engagement 
	With regard to the duty set out in paragraphs 186 and 187 of the framework, it is      considered that the duty to be positive and proactive has been timely discharged, in accordance with the framework.
8.	Conclusion
8.1	The proposed signs would not result in significant or demonstrable harm to the visual amenities of the wider locality or public safety; furthermore there are comparable advertisements within the locality of the application property.
9.	Recommendation - Approve, subject to the following conditions:
1.	Except where otherwise stipulated by condition, the development shall be carried out strictly in accordance with the following plans and documents: Application Forms, Cover Letter Dated 17.11.2015 and Drawing Numbers “13045 1001”, “Figure 1: Location of marketing board at the eastern end of Oxford Technology Park” and “Figure 2: Location of marketing board at the western end of Oxford Technology Park” with the application.
Reason - For the avoidance of doubt, to ensure that the development is carried out only as approved by the Local Planning Authority and to comply with Government guidance contained within the National Planning Policy Framework.

2.	That at the end of the period of 5 years from the date hereof this consent will lapse. 

Reason – In the interests of visual amenity and public safety and to comply with Government advice in the National Planning Policy Framework.

3.	That:

(a)	No advertisement shall be displayed without the permission of the owner of the site or any other person with an interest in the site entitled to grant permission.

(b)	No advertisement shall be sited or displayed so as to obscure or hinder the ready interpretation of, any road traffic sign, railway signal or aid navigation by water or air, or so as otherwise to render hazardous the use of any highway, railway, waterway or aerodrome (civil or military).

(c)	Any advertisement displayed, and any site used for the display of advertisements, shall be maintained in a condition that does not impair the visual amenity of the site.

(d)	Any structure or hoarding erected or used principally for the purpose of displaying advertisements shall be maintained in a condition that does not endanger the public.

(e)	Where an advertisement is required under these Regulations to be removed, the site shall be left in a condition that does not endanger the public or impair visual amenity.

Reason - By virtue of Regulation 14 (1) (a) and Schedule 2, of the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (England) Regulations 2007.

	STATEMENT OF ENGAGEMENT

In accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 and paragraphs 186 and 187 of the National Planning Policy Framework (March 2012), this decision has been taken by the Council having worked with the applicant/agent in a positive and proactive way as set out in the application report