An Inspector allows a Westminster shop conversion after weighing specialist disability accommodation, commercial frontage policy and conservation-area effects.
Disability housing appeal wins Westminster conversion
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National Planning Policy Framework News
Planning Geek news, appeal decisions and policy developments concerning national planning policy framework.
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Previously developed land wins Surrey housing appeal
An Inspector allows permission in principle for three Surrey homes after deciding rural residential curtilage qualifies as previously developed land.
Woore housing appeal allows 65 homes
A 65-home scheme in Woore wins outline permission under the 2026 NPPF, but the developer’s separate claim for costs fails.
South Downs traveller site appeal overturns enforcement
Inspector quashes South Downs enforcement and allows a single traveller pitch after the 2026 NPPF changed the concentration test.
Green Belt telecoms allowed for London to Dublin fibre link
An Inspector allows a Staffordshire fibre-network amplifier within the Green Belt under the 2026 NPPF’s telecommunications infrastructure exception.
Rural housing appeal fails despite 2.54-year supply
Two proposed self-build homes at Over Wallop fail new NPPF countryside tests despite Test Valley’s 2.54-year housing land supply.
Rural housing appeal wins under new NPPF in Cornwall
An Inspector backs a Cornish countryside home under the new NPPF despite poor transport links, with detailed consent still required.
Branscombe housing appeal allows two rural homes
Two rural homes win permission on former pub land despite countryside objections, with protected trees and self-build conditions closely examined.
Equestrian stable appeal wins under new NPPF rural policy
Cornwall’s refusal of a rural horse stable is overturned as an Inspector applies new outdoor recreation policy and weighs ecological safeguards.
Wiltshire barn appeal beats settlement boundary policy
A Wiltshire barn dwelling succeeds on appeal despite conflict with settlement boundary policy. The inspector balances local restrictions against national policy.
Needingworth PIP appeal wins up to nine homes under new NPPF
An Inspector allows up to nine homes beside Needingworth after applying new NPPF Policy S5 to a site outside village limits.
New NPPF: Planning Inspectorate told to apply universal tilt
Matthew Pennycook has told planning inspectors to embed the new NPPF’s universal tilt towards permission into appeal and application decisions.
Market Harborough appeal over 85 homes goes undefended after August NPPF review
Harborough District Council will not defend its refusal of 85 homes after reassessing the appeal against August’s national policy changes.
Self-build garage conversion wins appeal as new NPPF tips rural housing balance
A previously rejected rural conversion has won permission after new national policy and secured self-build provision changed the planning balance.
Inspector narrows permitted development condition to roof works under NPPF DM6
North Lincolnshire sought to remove six Part 1 rights, but the Inspector retained only Class B after applying new NPPF Policy DM6.
East Devon holiday home wins unrestricted use under new NPPF
New NPPF Policy S5 has helped an East Devon holiday home win unrestricted residential use despite accepted conflict with local countryside and transport policies
Aston Clinton appeal: 66 homes win despite failing NPPF test
Inspector Zoe Raygen found the scheme was not physically well related to Aston Clinton, but exceptional circumstances under S5(4) tipped the balance.
NPPF S5 helps self-build home win Horsham countryside appeal
A self-build home outside Horsham’s settlement boundary succeeds under NPPF S5’s limited-infill provision. The Inspector kept the policy’s separate routes distinct and accepted a Section 106 mechanism addressing BNG if the older self-build exemption did not apply.
Croxley Green appeal: 600 homes, disputed grey belt and the new NPPF
The live Croxley Green appeal for up to 600 homes now has the August 2026 NPPF in its core documents, after the council withdrew two refusal reasons.
NPPF 2026 Backs HMO Article 4 Directions — But How Far?
NPPF 2026 expressly backs HMO Article 4 directions, but councils still need robust evidence. What DM10 means for landlords, councils and wider areas.
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