Latest Planning Application for The Hub Refused

The latest planning application for The Hub offices on Station Road for change of use from offices to 25 flats, a roof extension at the third floor and internal alterations has been refused by South Oxfordshire District Council.

SODC objections were that the proposed development would result in the loss of existing office space within a Town Centre location. No evidence was submitted demonstrating the application site was unviable as an employment site. The Juliette balconies proposed to be added to the rear elevation, facing northeast, would create an unacceptable relationship to the neighbouring properties and the proposed development fails to provide adequate amenity space for all future residents, in the form of private or shared amenity space.  Plus the proposed development fails to provide 40% affordable housing units and provides no viability assessment to support this position.”

Henley Town Council recommend refusal on the grounds that there are no affordable housing being provided. There are strong concerns over the design of the proposal including the overall size and the potential overlooking on neighbouring properties especially from the proposed balconies and adverse impact on light.

Over the years, the site has seen a number of controversial planning applications to convert the offices into apartments.  In May 2018 SODC approved a Permitted Development Order (PDO) for 24 apartments.  In October 2018, they submitted planning application for 24 apartments with an extra top floor housing 6 residential apartments which was refused by SODC.  Ressance Limited of Newbury appealed SODC’s decision in January 2020 and this was dismissed in February 2020.  In May 2021 SODC approved a PDO for 18 apartments which has now lapsed. In 2022 a PDO was submitted and approved in July 2023 for an extension of the building to provide additional flats for a total of 25.

This full planning application now seeks several additional changes over that which was previously consented. These additional changes are to the first and second floors of the building and associated balconies.