Opinion is split over plans for a self-build house in Oxfordshire woodland. 

Leroy Barry has applied to build the three-bed house at Woodland Lodge in Frilford Heath. 

The proposal is for a traditional style timber framed dwelling on the area where there is a clearing. 

Marcham Parish Council has objected, whereas Fyfield and Tubney Parish Council has not. 

Three public objections have been submitted and one supporting comment. 

Supporter Julie Middlecoate, of Forster Lane, said: “In regards to his application to build a house near the wood shed he appears to have put a lot of thought into a sympathetic building to its surroundings and we feel sure that he would address any issues raised by the planning application in an environmentally friendly manner. 

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House plans  (Image: Vale of White Horse District Council) “As there are already two properties that are adjacent to the woodland and a quarry that generates considerable noise an additional house and its occupants shouldn't make any significant difference to the beautiful tranquil surroundings of Cothill. 

“So in conclusion we would wholeheartedly support his application.”

Objector Andrew James, of Marcham, said: “To grant this application would not only compromise the constraints of the existing permission with all its caveats, but would make a mockery of the planning process altogether and open the floodgates anybody to exploit the Green Belt.

“I believe it is (still) green belt, which is supposed to protect against exactly such development.”

Marcham Parish Council said: “The emerging joint Local Plan states that there is no justification for the Green Belt to be considered for development, and that national green belt policy will apply to all areas to be protected for green belt purposes. Even under the existing Local Plan, the site is not one, within an existing built up area, nor within any settlement, to fall within any of the exception policies.

“The parish council considers the proposal very unsuitable and inappropriate for the location, and would urge its refusal.”

On the applicant's planning statement, it said: “To conclude, the changes to this land and creation of a residential unit would not have a detrimental effect on any of the neighbouring properties or on the area/ countryside as a whole. Materials would be sympathetically chosen in order to blend into their surroundings. 

“The bulk of the building would be disguised by the hedge from the southwest, wood store from the southeast and woodland from both other positions. Most importantly a good sized attractive additional residential unit will be created that will go towards quotas set in order to address the national housing shortage.”