®Planning appeal decision
Land north of Fen Lane, Upminster, RM14 3PR
permission in principle for up to 3 infill dwellings
- Authority
- London Borough of Havering
- Appeal type
- minor · Planning Appeal
- Procedure
- Written Representations
- Development
- residential · Minor Dwellings
- Inspector
- Cahalane R
Main issues, as the Inspector framed them
- whether the site is suitable for residential development, having regard to its location, the proposed land use and the amount of development, with particular reference to whether the proposal would be inappropriate development in the Green Belt, including its effect on openness
- whether any harm by reason of inappropriateness, and any other harm, would be clearly outweighed by other considerations so as to amount to very special circumstances required to justify the appeal scheme
What decided it
The site is not in a sustainable location with particular reference to Framework paragraphs 110 and 115, as future residents would be heavily dependent on private vehicles despite nearby bus stops, due to lack of footways and limited everyday facilities and services in the vicinity.
The substantial weight given to harm to Green Belt openness was not clearly outweighed by the moderate weight afforded to housing delivery benefits and efficient use of land, such that very special circumstances do not exist.
Framework references: 110, 115, 143, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157
Plan policies cited: London Plan Policy G2, Havering Local Plan 2016-2031
Judgments cited: R (Tate) v Northumberland County Council [2018] EWCA Civ 1519; Julian Wood v SSCLG, Gravesham Borough Council [2015] EWCA Civ 195
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.