Martin Carter has secured planning permission on appeal for Gladman Developments Limited for 120 dwellings on greenfield land in Drakes Broughton, Worcestershire. The decision is notable because the appeal site was greenfield, the proposal was in breach of the existing and emerging Development Plan and the Council could demonstrate a five year supply, as national policy requires. However, the Inspector allowed the appeal, attaching significant weight to the affordable housing that the scheme included. The Council had resisted the appeal partly on the basis that he additional development in the village would threaten the “social cohesion” of the village, but the Inspector concluded that such arguments needed to be supported by robust evidence. The decision is another example of an inspector granting permission for development in breach of the development plan and in circumstances where the planning authority can demonstrate an adequate land supply.
Click here to view the appeal decision
