The decision letter (15-page / 171KB PDF) stated that Hallam Land Management’s appeal should be allowed because of a significant lack of adequate housing land supply, demonstrable need and the inspector’s conclusion that the proposed development would not cause significant harm to the locality.
Developer Hallam Land Management had appealed the council’s decision to refuse outline permission for the scheme, which included 326 homes, a doctors surgery and associated open space, in August last year.
The inspector’s decision letter noted that, although the council had refused planning permission for the proposed development, it had later withdrawn its objection to the scheme and had decided against giving evidence at the inquiry.
"Its change of stance was prompted by a separate appeal decision where another inspector found the council could not demonstrate a five-year supply of housing land," the Planning Inspectorate said.
In his decision letter, the inspector contended that the local authority could not demonstrate that it is able to provide a five-year supply of housing. The inspector said that both the council and the appellants’ five-year housing supply figures were "flawed".
"There is a proper basis for considering additional housing provision on the appeal site and evidence has shown there is a demonstrable need for additional housing," the decision letter said.
The planning inspector refused to impose a condition to ensure an enhanced bus service for the new doctors surgery and found that "such a condition would not be necessary bearing in mind the other conditions and legal undertakings," it said.
"This appeal illustrates the need for consolidated guidance to be issued on how five year housing land supplies ought to be calculated, taking into account recent appeal decisions and stances of local authorities and developers," said planning law expert Richard Ford of Pinsent Masons, the law firm behind Out-Law.com. "The DCLG and Planning Inspectorate guidance needs a refresh and consolidating."
