Josef Cannon acting for Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council in planning permission inquiry
This week, Cornerstone’s Josef Cannon is acting in a 6-day inquiry into an application for permission for 151 affordable dwellings on a site on the heart of Welwyn Garden City’s main employment area.
Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council has, like many authorities, a shortage of affordable homes and cannot presently demonstrate a five-year supply of housing land. What makes the inquiry unusual, however, is that the site is presently occupied by a thriving and popular B&Q store, who do not wish to vacate the site, and will attend the inquiry to explain why they should be allowed to stay.
Further, the local evidence is clear that losing the store would be a major loss to Welwyn Garden City, in that it provides a popular and well-used DIY and garden shopping experience as well as supporting up to 60 jobs. The Appellant claims that the area is already well-served by DIY and garden stores and any harm caused by the loss of the B&Q would be outweighed by the benefits of the new homes.
Josef is acting for Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council defending their decision to refuse planning permission. His practice at the Bar focuses on town and country planning, licensing, regulatory work, and property.
Learn more about his practise here.
