®Planning appeal decision
7 St Marys Drive, Benfleet, Essex, SS7 1LB
Planning appeal 6001714 at 7 St Marys Drive, Benfleet, Essex, SS7 1LB (Castle Point Borough Council) was allowed on 10 March 2026 by Inspector Sylvester G, by written representations. The main issue, as the Inspector framed it: The effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the area, with particular regard to the existing pattern of development.
the erection of 1no. detached single storey dwelling, together with associated on-plot parking, residential curtilage and landscaping, and altered vehicular access
- Authority
- Castle Point Borough Council
- Appeal type
- minor · Planning Appeal
- Procedure
- Written Representations
- Development
- residential · Minor Dwellings
- Inspector
- Sylvester G
- Postcode
- SS7 1LB
Main issues, as the Inspector framed them
- The effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the area, with particular regard to the existing pattern of development
- Whether future occupants would be provided with adequate living conditions with particular regard to their outlook from the bedroom window and levels of light reaching that room
- Whether the proposed development would affect the nature conservation interests of the SPAs and SAC as protected habitats sites
What decided it
The appellant's signed Unilateral Undertaking securing proportionate financial contributions towards the Essex Coast Recreational Disturbance Avoidance and Mitigation Strategy enabled the Inspector to discharge her statutory duty as Competent Authority under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 and be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the development would have no adverse effects on the nature conservation interests of the SPAs and SAC.
What the Inspector cited
- Development plan policies
- Policy EC2 of the Castle Point Borough Council Local Plan, Adopted 1998Castle Point Borough Council Residential Design Guidance 2013 section RDG3Castle Point Borough Council Residential Design Guidance 2013 section RDG5
- National Planning Policy Framework
- Paragraph 135Paragraph 187Paragraph 193
How the Inspector dealt with each one is set out in the app, in order: the development plan, national policy, housing land supply, other considerations and the planning balance, beside the letter.
See how each was appliedThe decision letter
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The authority’s record since 2016 · every decision in 2026
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- Allowed5 June 20266005421127 Moreland Avenue, Thundersley, SS7 4JJ
- Dismissed4 February 20263365314Land @ North End of Kale Road, Benfleet, Essex, SS71HU
- Allowed16 January 2026337257032 Mornington Crescent, Benfleet, Essex, SS7 2HP
The main issues, what decided it, the planning balance and the policies and judgments listed as cited are read from the published letter by Town Planner Pro and are our summary, not the Inspector’s words; the letter itself is the record. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Research, not advice.