There is a real tension in planning when it comes to proposals for new houses on little infill plots of land in existing residential areas.
The government is determined that we should built more homes in existing areas – that is where all the infrastructure is, and it protects the countryside and the Green Belt from development pressure.
Councils are more hostile to the idea, because they tend to think that neighbours and local residents hate new homes popping up on cramped little sites, and they don’t like upsetting their residents (and voters).
The NPPF, the government’s national planning policy document is clear – we must squeeze new homes into existing areas, making better use of land and increasing densities.
The London Plan says the same thing – more homes, on small sites, even if it means some change (in other words, a little harm) to the character of the area.
This tension between government policy and local planners was seen in this particular appeal.
In our opinion, the house fitted very neatly on the site, on a cul-de-sac next to existing homes. Croydon Council refused it, saying that it would harm the neighbours’ outlook and privacy, that it would not give future residents a good quality of internal living accommodation and that there were issues with parking and highway safety.
The inspector had little time for all of these objections. He was satisfied that there would be no real harm to neighbours, that the house would offer excellent living accommodation and that room for one off-street parking space was shown and could be safely used.
We were delighted when permission was granted.
NPPF 1, Council 0!
If you have been refused planning permission for an infill dwelling, contact us now for some advice.
