The application was refused on the basis that it constituted ‘piecemeal’ development which would prejudice the Council’s aspirations for the comprehensive redevelopment of the Regis Road Growth Area and adversely affect the existing and future character and appearance of the area. The Council argued that in order to constitute comprehensive redevelopment, any proposal should be informed by a masterplan encompassing the entire Growth Area. 

However, there was no adopted masterplan and the Council’s efforts to promote such a plan were not at an advanced stage. The Inspector found that development proposals could not be expected to accord with a masterplan that did not exist and that the absence of a masterplan since the Local Plan was adopted in 2017 was highly problematic in potentially holding back priority uses in the area. The proposed development would provide a significant increase in floorspace for storage and office uses and would not prejudice the delivery of housing on other parts of the Growth Area. Its height and design were appropriate to the existing and potential future context of the area and the building would not compromise the Council’s aspirations to create a new civic spine along Regis Road. The Inspector rejected an argument that the Local Plan was out of date and therefore did not apply the tilted balance.

A copy of the decision can be found here.

Isabella Tafur, instructed by DWD Planning, appeared for the Appellant.
Morag Ellis KC, instructed by Camden Council, appeared for the local planning authority.