Planning Appeal Allowed Near Helston for 6 to 9 Dwellings
Laurence Associates are delighted to have had a planning appeal allowed near Helston, with the Inspector granting permission in principle for between 6 and 9 new dwellings.
The appeal provides an important opportunity for housing delivery in the area and allows the scheme to progress to the next stage through a future Technical Details Consent.
Challenging the Council’s refusal
The appeal was submitted under the previous appeal process, which allowed us to prepare and submit a detailed statement addressing each of the Council’s reasons for refusing the application.
Our submission set out why the proposed development was appropriate in planning terms, including the site’s relationship with the existing settlement and the benefits that the scheme could provide.
The Inspector agreed with our assessment that the site was physically well related to the settlement.
While there was some conflict with the spatial strategy of the development plan, the Inspector concluded that this conflict was outweighed by the benefits of the proposed development.
Supporting housing delivery near Helston
A significant consideration in the appeal was the local housing position.
The Inspector recognised that the Council’s housing shortfall was considerable and gave weight to the contribution that the development could make towards addressing this need.
The scale of the site was also an important factor, as it provides an opportunity for both market and affordable housing to be secured through a future Technical Details Consent.
This means the appeal decision provides a clear route for the scheme to progress while allowing the detailed design and delivery of the homes to be considered at the next stage.
An important appeal decision for planning in Cornwall
This was the first planning appeal decided for LA since the publication of the latest National Planning Policy Framework.
The decision provides a useful example of how the Inspector has balanced different planning considerations, including the relationship of a site to an existing settlement, development plan policies, housing need and the benefits of new housing.
For applicants considering a planning appeal, understanding how these different considerations are assessed can be an important part of developing a clear and robust case.
We are delighted with the outcome for our client and look forward to progressing the next stages of the scheme.
Truro: 01872 225 259
Exeter: 01392 979 135
Email: hello@laurenceassociates.co.uk
