Another planning appeal success for WPS Planning.
A planning application was submitted to convert an existing butchers store for residential use, adding a single storey extension.
The application was refused at Planning Committee on the basis of overdevelopment of the site, despite the Planning Officer having recommended that it be approved. In fact previously, planning approval had been given for a very similar proposal, with minor differences to the proposed extension.
The principle of the conversion from retail to residential had therefore already been established. Nevertheless, the Planning Committee were not prepared to accept this and refused the revised application.
An appeal was therefore considered to be an appropriate form of action. In the appeal we pointed out that although the purpose of the previously approved application was different, the scale was similar. And that the previous approval allowed for residential use.
Planning Appeal Success!
In their final assessment the Planning Inspector said:
“Therefore the overall building would be appropriate in terms of its size and appearance. The proposed dwelling would be set with sufficient amenity space to the front and is of a modest size and scale as described above, therefore considering its existing context, the site would not appear to be cramped.”
In this case, as often happens, the appeal decision proved the assessment of the professional planners, the Planning Consultant and the Planning Officer, to be correct. Although overruled by the Planning Committee, the final planning appeal decision upheld the original planning policy assessment, providing the grateful applicant with the desired outcome.
One in three planning appeals is successful! If you think you have a case for an appeal get in touch. We can provide friendly, professional advice as to whether an appeal is worthwhile.