CALA: the Fat Lady Sings?

01 Jan 2018

Planning and Environment

The Secretary of State has now redetermined the Barton Farm appeal decision (2 October 2012) and this time has accepted the Inspector’s recommendation that planning permission should be granted for the 2,000 dwelling urban extension to Winchester.

The prematurity argument, which had led the Secretary of State to dismiss the appeal first time round, is rejected in a brief sentence. Barton Farm first emerged as an objection site at the Winchester District Local Plan Inquiry in 1995. Some 17 years, two Local Plans, two section 78 appeals, and the whole of the Cala litigation later, it looks as if the saga is finally over.

Michael Bedford acted for Winchester City Council throughout and Peter Village QC and Philippa Jackson acted for Cala Homes at the most recent Inquiry.

A copy of the Secretary of State’s decision and the Inspector’s report can be read here: Barton Farm 2012 redetermination