Planning

Planning Policy

The District and County Councils both prepare Local Plans. These provide specific guidance on where development should, and should not, take place. Charney Bassett is designated as ‘open countryside’ in the Vale of White Local Plan 2031 and this is not proposed to change in the emerging plan for 2041. This effectively means that new development in Charney village is likely to be limited to infilling and improvements to existing property.

The Parish Council started preparation of a Neighbourhood Plan in 2015, but this was abandoned in favour of a Community-Led Plan (CLP – adopted in 2017). This plan is taken into account by the planning authority in the determination of planning applications. The Parish Council’s priority is for improvements to road safety as this was the main concern of residents in the CLP. Any money the Parish Council receives under the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is therefore likely to be put toward road safety improvement.

Planning Applications

Applicants are welcome to discuss their proposals for development with the Parish Council before submitting their proposal to the local planning authority (contact the Parish Clerk). The Parish Council is given 21 days to send in its comments on a planning application, and if this means that the proposal is unable to be discussed at a Parish Council meeting (see timetable of meetings) a coordinated response can be authorised by the Chairman (see Standing Orders).

The Planning Authority will decide whether or not it wishes to notify residents nearby of a planning proposal so, to avoid any confusion, the Parish Council will not normally do this. The Parish Council is always happy to be provided with a copy of any comments made by residents on a planning proposal, and this may help to inform any comment that the Parish Council itself submits.

A record of recent planning decisions for Charney Bassett can be found in the Charney Bassett Planning Register. Details of plans and relevant documents, including those for earlier years, can be found at –   http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/services-and-advice/planning-and-building/find-application/planning-decision-register

Unauthorised Development

Not all new development (e.g. some house extensions) needs planning permission, and this is something for the Planning Authority to advise on. But most building work can cause some form of disturbance – albeit temporary – so neighbours are likely to appreciate some notification from their neighbour that work is about to start.

The Planning Authority has various powers that allows it to take enforcement action against development that is undertaken without a necessary planning permission. The circumstances in which these powers may be used are set out in the Vale of White Horse Enforcement Policy.

Concerns about unauthorised development can be reported to the Planning Authority using an on-line form (personal contact details will need to be provided). Residents can also speak to the Parish Council about any concerns and consideration will always be given to  whether or not it wishes to submit its own report.

Development in Neighbouring Parishes

The Parish Council may also be interested in development in neighbouring areas – particularly if there is likely to be an increase in traffic through the village – and monitors planning applications submitted on land outside Charney to decide whether or not to make comment to the Planning Authority.

Updated 19th December 2025