Lightwood appeal success on the Crown Estate
The Planning Inspectorate has allowed the appeal by Lightwood against the decision of Elmbridge Borough Council Planning Committee to refuse an application for the erection of two detached dwellings on the exclusive Crown Estate in Cobham.
Despite gaining the support of the planning officer and going to committee with a recommendation to approve, it was unanimously refused on the basis that it would failed to make the most effective use of land to meet the housing needs of the area (essentially that the site should be utilised for a greater number of smaller units).
The respectful and considered proposal was recognised by the Inspector as being “consistent with the established character and appearance of the area surrounding it” and “an appropriate form of development for the appeal site”.
Inspector supports allocation of Culm Garden Village
The Inspector of the Examination of the Mid Devon Local Plan Review 2013-2033 has concluded that the Plan provides an appropriate basis for the planning of the District and with the inclusion of the Inspector’s recommended Main Modifications, the Mid Devon Local Plan Review 2013 – 2033 satisfies the requirements of Section 20(5) of the Planning & Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended) and meets the criteria for soundness in the Framework.
Lightwood’s Culm Garden Village (Policy CU7) has been allocated for 2,600 within the Plan, with the wider Garden Village to be allocated within the Greater Exeter Strategic Plan (GESP).
Inspector concludes Braintree Garden Communities unsound
Inspector Roger Clews has ruled that if “unsound” proposals for new settlements on the Colchester and Braintree borders and the West of Braintree garden community are removed, the North Essex Authorities Strategic Section 1 Plan is “capable of being made sound”.
He highlights that the viability appraisal found that “with an appropriate 40 per cent contingency allowance on transport and utilities infrastructure, the proposed Colchester/Braintree borders garden community would not achieve a viable land price”, and that the proposed West of Braintree garden community is below – or at best is at the very margin of – financial viability, contrary to advice in the PPG. On this basis, he says, “neither garden community is deliverable”.
Uttlesford District Council withdraw Local Plan
Following the examination of the Uttlesford Local Plan, Inspectors Louise Crosby MA MRTPI and Elaine Worthington BA (Hons) MT MUED MRTPI wrote to Stephen Miles, planning policy team leader at Uttlesford District Council, stating:
“Unfortunately, despite the additional evidence that has been submitted during the examination and all that we have now read and heard in the examination, including the suggested main modifications to the plan put forward by the council, we have significant concerns in relation to the soundness of the plan.
“In particular, we are not persuaded that there is sufficient evidence to demonstrate that the garden communities, and thus the overall spatial strategy, have been justified. We therefore cannot conclude that these fundamental aspects of the plan are sound.
“This is of major importance in this case, given the large scale and long-term nature of the garden community developments, combined with the fact that they would be the primary source of housing in the district for the next 30 to 40 years.”
At an Extraordinary Council Meeting (ECM) on Thursday 30 April Councillors decided to withdraw the Local Plan and start work on preparing a new plan for the district.
It will be interesting to see how this impacts the decision of Inspector Roger Clews in relation to the neighbouring Braintree Local Plan and the North Essex Garden Communities.
Completion of sale on 45 unit scheme in Ovingdean
Lightwood has completed the sale of its 45 unit development in Ovingdean, Brighton to Brookworth Homes. The scheme which was consented at appeal will provide much needed homes in Brighton, including affordable housing, the growth of which is curtailed being surrounded by the South Downs National Park.
St Albans Draft Local Plan found unsound
Following the suspension of the St Albans and District Local Plan Examination Hearing sessions in January 2020, the Inspectors have now issued their Post Hearing letter to the Council. In a letter dated April 14, examining inspectors Louise Crosby and Elaine Worthington said they found “serious concerns in terms of legal compliance and soundness” of the draft plan.
It is highly likely that the current process of Plan review will not be recoverable and that St Albans Council will need to start again.
Revised application submitted at Stalbridge
Following an unsuccessful appeal in 2019 against North Dorset Council’s decision to refuse outline planning consent for up to 98 dwellings, a revised application has been submitted which seeks to address the concerns of the Planning Inspector on the visual and landscape impact of the development.
Lightwood attend the St Albans’ Local Plan examination hearings
After the first week of hearings the Inspectors suspended the examination citing serious concerns on legal compliance and soundness. Further explanation will be published in the next few weeks.
Planning application being prepared for Dorset Village
Following an unsuccessful appeal in 2019 Lightwood are revising the scheme to address the reasons for refusal. A revised layout for up to 80 units will be submitted by March 2020
Lightwood participate at the North Essex Local Plan (Section 1) hearings
Following an Inspector’s letter in June 2018 the North Essex Authorities undertook additional technical work to attempt satisfy his soundness concerns. Accompanied by Luke Wilcox of Landmark Chambers Lightwood attended the second phase of examination hearings and argued that critical soundness concerns had not been overcome.
