Neighbourhood Plan upheld and ‘valued’ landscape recognised

18 Jul 2018

Planning and Environment

In an appeal decision dated the 18 July 2018 issued following a planning inquiry, a planning Inspector has dismissed an appeal by Gallagher Estates Ltd against the refusal of a large scale residential development in Sonning Common, Oxfordshire.

Following a high profile inquiry, the Inspector agreed with the construction of the Neighbourhood Plan argued for by the local planning authority and concluded that the proposal was contrary to it, the development plan as a whole, national policy and ministerial guidance. He also agreed that it would cause unacceptable harm to a valued landscape so that even had the tilted balance applied, the harm caused by that and the conflict with the Neighbourhood Plan would have significantly and demonstrably outweighed the claimed benefits.

Tom Cosgrove QC acted for the successful planning authority. A copy of the decision can be found here.

Appeal Ref: APP/Q3115/W/17/3183391 Land off Kennylands Road, Sonning Common – July 2018