The project sought full planning permission for 12 dwellings on an allocated site in the South Downs National Park. The application was submitted by Gillings Planning on behalf of the Rural Housing Trust.

Although the site was allocated, there was significant discussion with the LPA about what would be considered an appropriate design response given its sensitive location on the edge of the settlement.

After an extensive and iterative design process with officers, the planning application was initially refused due to differing interpretations of a key design/landscape policy which had a significant influence on the decisions taken around the overall design approach for the site.

A written representations appeal was submitted to challenge this decision. The case was supported by extensive evidence from a multi-disciplinary team. Critically, the justification also included an explanation around why the evidence-based approach was consistent with the key design/landscape policy, therefore justifying the design approach taken.

The appeal was allowed and the Inspector agreed that our interpretation of the policy was indeed correct.

This project demonstrates the importance of really understanding the wording of a policy. In this instance, the LPA had a very clear idea of how the policy should be interpreted however their interpretation was not reflected in the adopted wording within the Local Plan.

Our ability to understand the policy and clearly demonstrate this to an Inspector, means that 12 family homes (including 6 affordable) can now be delivered in an area within an acute housing need.