It’s always satisfying to secure successful appeal decisions, but even more so when they genuinely make a difference to our clients’ lives.
We’ve had two successful planning appeal outcomes in the Wellingborough area of North Northamptonshire over recent weeks. Neither involved major developments or high-profile schemes, but both will have a lasting impact for our clients.
🏡 Hardwick – Self-build dwelling approved
We secured planning permission for a single self-build dwelling within the grounds of our client’s home in the village of Hardwick.
With exceptionally strict controls over new development, this was far from a straightforward case. The decision means our client can continue living on a family property that has been passed down through several generations and remain in the village they have called home all their life, where they continue to play an active role in the local community.
A key issue at appeal was the Council’s self-build policy, which only supports affordable self-build. We demonstrated that this approach was failing to address the significant shortfall in self-build plots across North Northamptonshire, despite the Council’s statutory duty to provide them. The Inspector agreed, and the appeal was allowed.
🚜 Orlingbury – Storage building approved
Our second success secured planning permission for a large storage building in the open countryside to the rear of our client’s home in Orlingbury.
The building will be used to store vintage farm machinery and tractors. Crucial to the appeal was demonstrating the significant weight that should be given to the established fallback position, supported by a lawful development certificate allowing the same items to be stored in the open.
The Inspector agreed that the proposed agricultural-style building would improve the character and appearance of the area when compared with the lawful fallback position. The decision is a good reminder of the importance of identifying and making the most of a realistic fallback position when seeking to justify development that may otherwise conflict with planning policy.
If we can help you on similar matters – whether that’s the provision of a self-build dwelling, including interrogating a Council’s self-build supply, or making use of a fallback position to justify development that may previously have been refused planning permission – then please get in touch.
