Appeal success – technical details consent secures x6 new flats in Bexley, London

Our recent planning appeal win has secured the demolition of unused garages and the development of a bespoke set of 6 flats, in South East London.

We were approached by the developer, following the unexpected refusal of the technical details planning application. A technical details application is made following the approval of a Planning in Principle application (PIP) and seeks to provide further details on a development proposal for residential schemes. The local council cited one reason for refusal in their decision, which came down to a common theme of recent planning refusals in this Borough – parking & impact on highways.

Our first response was to seek guidance from a third party transport consultant as well as  a full review of the project, the decision and local and national policy considerations.  From this, we set the strategy for moving the project forwards.  We identified that a written representations appeal would be the most suitable next step and, working with the project architect and engaging with a transport planner, we set about preparing the planning refusal for appeal.

Making the planning case for development at appeal

Our review of local and national policy considerations further supported the proposed development and through the appeal process, we were able to demonstrate:

• That adequate parking could be provided and not cause additional harm to the surrounding area in terms of parking stress or highways impact;
• How the proposed flats would optimise an under-utilised piece of land;
• The local housing land supply limitations and evidence how this redundant site would respond to housing need;
• The sustainable qualities of the development, in environmental, social and economic terms;
• Useful precedents to support an approval.

Using PlanTech to support a planning appeal

Regarding sourcing relevant appeal precedents, at Plainview Planning Ltd we have access to a free text search of the entire appeals database.  This enables us to search for the most relevant and recent appeal decisions. In this instance our appeal research enabled us to source the most pertinent and timely decisions which helped support our justifications in favour of the development. 

The appeal outcome

The Planning Inspector agreed with our pragmatic approach at appeal, stating in the decision that the proposed development would have a  “neutral effect on the level of on-street parking in this area”.  We are so pleased that through careful presentation of the facts, we were able to help secure planning approval for this sustainable development.

If you have recently had your planning application refused and aren’t sure about your next steps, then contact our planning team to see how we can best help you. You can find out more about our approach to planning appeals here, or alternatively, contact us via enquiries@plainview.co.uk to receive a no obligation fee quote for our services.

About us

We are Plainview Planning – a solutions orientated, experienced and knowledgeable team of planning consultants.  If you need professional and informed planning support with your development project, then contact our team via enquiries@plainview.co.uk, to see how we can best assist you, providing the site address and a brief overview of your project. We value your privacy and any information which you provide will not be shared outside of our company and will only be used in relation to your enquiry.

Content correct at the time of publication. For the most up-to-date advice or to discuss your project, please contact our team directly.

Image source:

Urban and Rural (2021)