The Ridge planning team is delighted to have secured planning permission on behalf of Beechcroft Land Ltd., for the demolition of existing stables and the erection of up to 29 dwellings (including 40% affordable housing) alongside a new access road, landscaping, drainage and other associated works at land to the West of Ivy Lane, Bretforton, Worcestershire. The permission was won at appeal following Wychavon District Council’s (WDC) decision to refuse the application.

This planning application was submitted in the context that WDC could not demonstrate a 5 Year Housing Land Supply (5YHLS) and that there was a pressing need for new housing, including affordable housing, noting the Government’s aim to significantly boost the supply of housing, which the scheme could make a significant contribution towards addressing.

The main issues which were contended at appeal by the appellant were matters relating to housing land supply, the location of the development and the amount of affordable housing. The Inspector found that the scheme would secure both market and affordable housing for which there is an urgent need within the District of Wychaven. Furthermore, in relation to location, the Inspector agreed that whilst the site was outside the development boundary for Bretforton, the benefits of the scheme, which included contributing to the delivery of a 5-year supply of housing sites, delivery of affordable housing, support for local services, support for the local economy, new planting and provision of public open space, outweighed any adverse impact of the scheme by virtue of conflict with policy.

On balance, the Inspector found that the adverse impacts of the proposed scheme did not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits when assessed against local plan policy.

Ridge was responsible for the preparation, submission and monitoring of the planning application. Leading a multi-disciplinary team, Ridge worked closely with Powell Dobson architects, Peter Evans Partnership (transport) Keystone Ecology, Cotswold Archaeology and BWB consulting. Following the refusal by the LPA, Ridge then produced a proof of evidence in support of the appellant and provided expert witness at the Inquiry. Killian Garvey of King Chambers led the Inquiry and called expert witness Guy Wakefield.

Read the appeal decision notice here and for more information please contact Guy Wakefield.