The site forms part of the Hill Farm farmstead, approximately 1km from Upton St Leonards. It is located within the Cotswold National Landscape and outside of any settlement boundary.

The MEP team carried out pre-app meetings with the District and Parish Council and submitted the planning application. Following the LPA’s refusal, MEP was then responsible for the submission of an appeal.

The Inspector noted that as the site is located some distance from services and facilities, the future occupiers of the proposed dwellings would be reliant on the private car, and as such the site is not a suitable location for new dwellings. However, as the LPA could only demonstrate a 3.6 year housing land supply, the provision of the dwellings would be of both social and economic benefit. The Inspector concluded that these benefits outweighed the harm caused by the conflict with the Council’s spatial strategy and as such the appeal was allowed.

In essence therefore the Inspector agreed with MEP’s argument that the scheme represents a sustainable form of development, making efficient use of existing buildings and embodying a low-carbon approach.

The approved scheme enables the appellants’ extended family to establish their home in a constrained area, located within the Cotswold National Landscape.

Credit Image: Rappor