Planning Appeal Cases

100-home scheme escapes Green Wedge objection on housing need

An appeal for outline planning permission for up to 100 new homes (40% affordable) with associated infrastructure at Land at Harlestone Road/York Way, Northamptonshire, was allowed. The Inspector's main issue was whether the development would be appropriately located within the designated Green Wedge, and he concluded that the proposal satisfied Policy ENV3 of the development plan because substantial physical and visual separation would be maintained between the appeal site and the nearby rural settlements through Harlestone Firs woodland and undulating land, thereby preserving their character and setting. Although the proposal conflicted with policies on location and the spatial strategy (Policies S1, R1 and RA6), the Inspector found material considerations indicating permission should be granted other than in strict accordance with the development plan, specifically the Council's inability to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, the provision of much-needed housing and affordable units capable of rapid delivery, and benefits including enhanced public access to the Green Wedge through permissive paths and formalised crossings. The appeal was therefore allowed subject to a comprehensive set of 34 conditions and a planning obligation securing affordable housing, education and infrastructure contributions.