Lindsey Richards, President of the Royal Town Planning Institute for 2024 (S12 E4)

Have We Got Planning News For You

Our Special Guest this week is Lindsey Richards, President of the Royal Town Planning Institute for 2024.

• Latest News Update on planning related matters.

• Decision of the High Court in Mead Realisations Ltd v SOSLUH&C & Redrow Homes Ltd V SOSLUH&C [2024] EWHC 279 dismissing two separate s288 claims challenging the dismissals of s78 housing appeals in Weston Super Mare (in FZ3) & Bushey (largely in Fz1 but also Fz2&3 plus 10% affected by reservoir flood risk) where neither LPA had a 5 yr HLS but where both appeals were judged to have failed compliance with the sequential test under NPPF 162 & PPG paragraph 028.

• Decision of a Planning Inspector dated 15th February 2024 dismissing an appeal by Elysian Loughton Site Ltd against the refusal of Epping Forest District Council to grant planning permission for the demolition of three homes and the erection of linked apartment blocks to form elderly persons apartments integrated C2 care facilities issues regarding the bulk, massing & height, effect on living conditions of existing neighbour & future occupiers & a viability review mechanism.

• Decision of a Planning Inspector dated 14th February 2024 to allow an appeal by Gadman Developments Ltd against the refusal of Somerset Council to grant outline planning permission for up to 100 dwellings on part of a larger green field, outside the settlement boundary for Creech St Michael. Issues around the effect of the proposal on the character & appearance of the area & neighbouring residential properties, HLS & whether a tilted balance applies or not.