We are very pleased to have successfully overturned Elmbridge Council’s refusal to grant outline planning permission for 6 new houses in Walton-on-Thames for our client Finesse Homes. The site is currently occupied by 2 houses and despite heavy local opposition from residents and local councillors the Inspector agreed with our case on the principle of redeveloping the site, density, design, parking and amenity.
Importantly the Inspector did not accept the Council’s attempt to apply their local affordable housing policy on small sites despite government advice. The Inspector stated that, ‘Whilst I accept the development plan should be the starting point, the PPG is the clearest and most recent expression of national planning policy and states that affordable housing contributions from small scale developments should not be sought. Accordingly, I conclude that an affordable housing contribution is not required.’