17 Forehill, Ely, CB7 4AA

Convert an existing class E unit into C3 dwelling. Single storey rear extension, alterations to existing single storey roof, insertion of conservation flush rooflights and proposed replacement garage

Authority: East Cambridgeshire
Appeal type: minor · Planning
Procedure: Written
Development: residential
Postcode: CB7 4AA

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

the effect of the proposed development on the vitality and viability of Ely city centre and its Primary Shopping Frontage
the effect of the proposed development on protected trees and whether their removal is warranted

What decided it

The conversion to residential use was acceptable as the premises were not in retail use, marketing evidence demonstrated no viable commercial future, and residential development would support town centre vitality; however, the tree removal was unjustified and therefore the appeal was split, allowing the conversion but dismissing the tree removal element.

Framework references: 90

Plan policies cited: Policy COM2, Policy ENV7, Policy ENV11, Policy ENV12, Policy ENV13

Read the decision letter on the Inspectorate’s site

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.

What an account adds

Draw a red line around your site and the appraisal follows.

Heritage. Listed buildings by grade and distance, conservation areas, scheduled monuments, registered parks and gardens, heritage at risk.
Landscape and environment. Green belt, national parks and national landscapes, SSSIs, ancient woodland, SPA, SAC and Ramsar sites, nutrient catchments.
Flooding. Flood zones 2 and 3, surface water, and both again with climate change.
Transport. The 800 metre station catchment and service frequency, bus stops with their weekday frequency, the cycle network, and the Framework’s transport tests measured for the site.

Then the development plan position, the housing land supply as an Inspector last accepted it, and every appeal decided around the site with its letter.

Every English appeal since 2016, with the letter behind it wherever the Inspectorate published one. Searched by meaning as well as by words, with the key case law counted live across the letters.

Casework that chases the deadlines. Applications, appeals and conditions with their statutory dates.

The judgement stays yours. The tool gathers the material and dates it.