Non-determination appeal win for two family homes in Horsham

We are delighted with our recent appeal win which has granted permission for 2 dwellings on undeveloped land.
We pursued an appeal for non-determination after Horsham District Council were unable to give a timely decision on the application for two family homes in a sustainable location.
It was noted that Horsham were minded to refuse the application.  Their concerns centred principally on:

• the impact on the character and appearance of the surrounding area;
• neighbouring amenity;
• and whether adequate outdoor space would be provided.  

The Inspector explored these concerns as part of his assessment of the application but came to similar conclusions as presented in our appeal statement; that the proposed development was of good design with reasonable amenity space and was well suited to the surrounding context.

Making the case for residential development on a tight plot:

We took the case to a non-determination appeal after working extensively on the project and with the Council. In response to discussions during the application process we had:

• mitigated the Council’s concerns in relation to parking facilities;
• arranged for the scheme to be amended to preserve trees with TPOs;
• and reduced the dwelling sizes in response to concerns over massing.  

In light of our proactive engagement, we were concerned that a decision could not be made and time extensions were not being kept.
Our application and appeal justified how:

• the proposal presented an efficient use of an infill plot;
• the location was demonstrably sustainable,
• the scheme had been designed to gain maximum benefit and efficiency out of the site whilst maintaining the local character.

The general context was one of an established built up area and in order to minimise impact on neighbouring amenity, we had undertaken the relevant tests and third party assessments, including a thorough review of local density issues and use of the relevant BRE Guidance. The proposed development met these requirements, and the concerns raised by the Council did not appear to be a reasonable response to the site location and setting.
We were delighted that the Inspector drew similar conclusions from his own analysis. The appeal was allowed and planning permission granted. Furthermore, we also managed to safeguard the buildings permitted development rights.

About Us:

Plainview Planning is an independent town and country planning consultancy, made up of a group of knowledgeable planners and urban designers. We work hard to help our clients get the permissions they need on site and engage effectively with local Councils. Our experience is wide-ranging and we undertake planning applications, appeals, enforcement, changes of use and development projects. Contact our team to see how we can best assist via enquiries@plainview.co.uk