®Planning appeal decision
Land South of Westbrook Farm, Harp Road, Brent Knoll, Highbridge, TA9 4HQ
a new build dwelling
- Authority
- Somerset Council
- Appeal type
- minor · Planning Appeal
- Procedure
- Written Representations
- Development
- residential · Minor Dwellings
- Inspector
- Evans J
Main issues, as the Inspector framed them
- the effect of the scheme upon the character and appearance of the area
- whether the scheme would be in a suitable location for residential development, having regard to local and national policy
- whether the scheme would result in an unacceptable flood risk
What decided it
The scheme fails to meet the strict tests required for development in a high-risk flood zone, combined with significant harm to character and appearance and an unsustainable countryside location that conflicts with the development plan.
The conflict with development plan policies CO1, CO2, D2, D9 and D1 was afforded significant weight; the absence of five-year housing land supply did not justify development in a high-risk flood area, and the Framework makes clear that harm to areas at risk of flooding provides a strong reason for refusal, outweighing the aim to boost housing supply.
Framework references: 11
Plan policies cited: Policy D2, Policy D20, Policy CO1, Policy CO2, Policy D9, Policy D1
Judgments cited: Mansell v Tonbridge and Malling BC & others [2017] EWCA Civ 1314
The main issues and the deciding factor are read from the published letter by Town Planner Pro; the letter itself is the record. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Research, not advice.