Appeal win with a full award of costs
10 June 2026
Planning permission has been secured on appeal for to replace a live/work unit with an open market dwelling at Blackberry Barn, Bredon’s Norton, South Worcestershire.
The proposal was for the replacement of a live/work unit with an open market dwelling, reflecting an extant permission. Planning permission had been granted for the replacement dwelling in 2021, however the permission had recently expired.
The LPA refused the application on grounds relating to loss of employment, which, in the opinion of the LPA, conflicted with Local Plan Policy. MEP submitted a robust case at appeal demonstrating that there were no requirements to market the work element of the live/work unit and given the recent permission, the decision to refuse the application demonstrated inconsistency within the decision making process.
The Inspector agreed with the case presented by MEP and found that the proposal complied with all relevant policy. MEP also submitted an application for costs on the grounds that the LPA’s conduct constituted substantive unreasonable behaviour due to a failure to apply policy and precedent in a consistent manner. The Inspector agreed with the arguments presented by MEP and an substantive award of costs was granted.
Credit image Woldon London
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