Urbanisation of Chelmsford’s Green Wedge is refused
Planning & environment, Local government
An Inspector has dismissed an appeal against the refusal of permission for an affordable housing scheme in Chelmsford’s Green Wedge. Despite recognising the substantial benefits of 55 affordable homes, the Inspector found that they were significantly and demonstrably outweighed by the harm to a designated green wedge and valued landscape on the outskirts of the city, poor design resulting in unacceptable amenity and privacy impacts for future residents, and other harms concerning heritage assets, protected trees, and flood risk.
The case demonstrates that planning decision-makers may still exercise their judgement to refuse permission for schemes which are poorly designed or cause significant harm to designated areas, even against the backdrop of the national drive to speed up housing delivery.
Josef Cannon KC and Dr Lois Lane acted for the local planning authority, Chelmsford City Council.
