There is a real tension in the planning system when it comes to proposals for new houses on small infill plots in existing residential areas.
On the one hand, national planning policy is very clear. The government wants more homes built within existing towns and suburbs, where the infrastructure already exists and where development does not put pressure on the countryside or the Green Belt. Both the National Planning Policy Framework and the London Plan actively encourage small-site housing and making better use of land, even if that means some change to the character of an area.
On the other hand, councils are often much more hostile to new houses on small plots. There is a persistent concern that neighbours will object, that sites are ‘too cramped’, or that a new dwelling simply does not belong. These concerns frequently lead to refusals, even where the proposal is carefully designed.
This tension was on full display in this appeal in the London Borough of Croydon.
The proposal was for a new house on a modest infill site within a residential cul-de-sac, alongside existing homes. In our view, the house sat comfortably on the plot and reflected the scale and character of surrounding development. Croydon council disagreed and refused planning permission, citing harm to neighbours’ outlook and privacy, poor living conditions for future occupiers, and concerns about parking and highway safety.
The inspector was not persuaded by these objections. They concluded that the relationship with neighbouring properties would not result in any unacceptable loss of outlook or privacy, that the proposed house would provide a good standard of internal accommodation, and that an off-street parking space could be provided and used safely.
Importantly, the inspector did not treat the introduction of a new dwelling as a problem in itself. Instead, they looked at how the proposal actually worked on the site and within its surroundings.
Planning permission was therefore granted.
This case is a good example of how refusals of infill housing can be successfully challenged where objections are based on generalised concerns rather than clear planning harm. Although this was a Croydon appeal, the same issues arise again and again in other boroughs, and inspectors often take a more pragmatic view than councils. We deal with these types of cases regularly as part of our planning appeals work in Croydon.
If you have been refused planning permission for an infill or backland dwelling, it is often worth considering an appeal.
