The Inspector refused permission due to the proposals’ significant landscape impact, to which he gave substantial weight, despite the land having no designation and agreement it was not a valued landscape; poor public transport provision which he concluded would render the development car borne, to which he also gave substantial weight (despite some village facilities including a primary school and pub); less than substantial harm at the lower end of the spectrum (which was agreed) to a grade II listed building. He also found that the Council had a five year supply and was meeting its affordable housing need – both matters having been contested by Bloor Homes. The decision demonstrates that engagement of the titled balance is no guarantee of a permission and how paragraph 11(d)(ii) of the NPPF works in practice.

Suzanne Ornsby KC and Claire Nevin acted for South Gloucestershire Council.

Online briefing for local planning authorities

On 17 January 2024 from 1-2pm, chambers will be hosting an online briefing for local authorities at which Suzanne, Claire and Liz will discuss how the tilted balance works in practice and how local planning authorities can best present their cases at appeal.  More information here.