An eight-home scheme at Birchanger failed despite its grey-belt characteristics because affordable housing and accessible green-space commitments were not secured.
Grey belt appeal fails Golden Rules test for eight homes
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Policy & Local Plans News – Page 3
Recent planning policy and local plan news, including national policy, Green Belt, strategic planning and plan-making developments.
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Latest planning news
Stable conversion appeal wins despite car dependence
A Worcestershire stable conversion wins planning permission despite rural accessibility concerns, with new national policies tipping the balance.
Scottish Biodiversity Metric Tool Updated on 22 October
NatureScot updates Scotland’s draft biodiversity calculation workbook as planners, ecologists and developers prepare consultation responses before 30 November.
Scottish Accessible Housing Standards Face 2027 Review
New Scottish working group minutes set out accessible housing research, adaptation problems and a consultation on detailed proposals planned for 2027.
Scottish Rent Control Assessments Due by May 2027
New Scottish guidance requires councils to assess private rents and report by May 2027 before ministers consider any control areas.
Luton Local Plan Starts With December 2028 Target
Luton enters the new 30-month plan-making process after publishing Gateway 1, with a December 2028 adoption target and fresh consultation dates.
Social Housing Asset Sales Forecast at £19.5bn
England’s housing regulator warns that £19.5bn of planned property disposals leave social landlords exposed to financial and development risks.
Scottish Peatland Work Covers 15,448 Hectares
Scotland reports 15,448 hectares of peatland recovery work in 2025/26 and sets out further funding and land-use priorities.
Bristol HMO appeal allowed with partial costs award
An eight-person HMO has won its Bristol planning appeal, with the council ordered to pay partial costs over two unsupported refusal reasons.
Hawthorn housing appeal: 81 homes and shop rejected
Plans for 81 homes and a village shop at Hawthorn have lost their appeal despite housing shortages and substantial public benefits.
Bodmin footpath appeal fails despite 70 occupied homes
An Inspector has upheld a Bodmin housing condition requiring a missing walking and cycling connection, despite more than 70 homes being occupied.
Norfolk pig farm appeal fails over ammonia evidence
Plans for replacement pig sheds at a Norfolk farm have failed because ammonia evidence did not establish safety for protected habitats.
Somerset housing appeal: 31 homes fail on road safety
A 31-home Somerset scheme has lost its appeal over rural road safety and countryside character despite the council dropping its opposition.
Central Lincolnshire Plan Review Opens Until 3 December
Central Lincolnshire opens six weeks of consultation on its next local plan, inviting views on priorities, evidence and public engagement.
Newark Local Plan Update Adopted Despite Supply Gap
Newark and Sherwood adopts updated site allocations despite its Inspector warning that the district cannot demonstrate five years of deliverable housing.
Islington pub appeal allows Class E use but rejects costs
An Inspector has approved new Class E uses at the former John Salt pub in Islington, but refused the separate claim for appeal costs.
Oxford Street Pedestrianisation Starts 26 October
Oxford Street will become traffic-free between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street on 26 October, with diverted routes and phased regeneration.
Lewisham Shopping Centre Redevelopment Put on Hold
Landsec has paused the Lewisham Shopping Centre redevelopment, leaving a major housing-led planning consent unresolved amid economic and social rent pressures.
Cumberland Local Plan Site Deadline Extended to November
Cumberland has extended its local plan call for sites to 30 November, while a separate scoping consultation closes on 23 October.
Green Belt Housing Report Claims 4.6m-Home Potential
New research claims England’s Green Belt could accommodate millions of homes near railways, but the figures are not planning permissions.
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