Station Road North, West Malling

70 bed care home in the countryside, outside of a settlement

Our role

We were involved in this project from inception, preparing a desktop appraisal that explored the prospects of a care home, right through to a successful appeal.

The site is located in the countryside and outside of the settlement boundary. We provided planning strategy advice to our client and undertook pre-application discussions with the Local Planning Authority, Parish Council and local residents.

The key issues to overcome in this case were the site’s location outside of the settlement boundary and its proximity to a heritage asset.  We applied the ‘tilted balance’ in accordance with National Planning Policy to demonstrate that any harm to the countryside and heritage assets would be outweighed by the benefits of the scheme.

The Local Planning Authority refused the planning application and we appealed the decision on behalf of our client.  Our case was successful and the appeal was allowed, with the Planning Inspector agreeing that the benefits of the scheme outweighed any harm.

Outcomes

• Planning appraisal
• Engagement with the Parish Council, Ward Councillors and Local Residents
• Planning application submitted
• Appeal made and Allowed