Langley House permission overturned

Langley House permission overturned

Deputy John Young’s decision means that planning permission granted earlier this year for the development, which also included a one-bedroom staff unit in the walled garden at Langley House in Rectory Lane, has now been overturned.

The decision followed a successful appeal from a neighbour who argued that the proposal would have an overbearing impact on the listed Langley House, be out of keeping with bungalows in the local area and would harm the living conditions of nearby residents due to overshadowing and loss of privacy.

Independent planning inspector Linda Wride found that ultimately the proposal was ‘acceptable’ on the last two counts, but said that although the effect it would have on the setting of the listed building was a concern, that was overridden by Policy H6, which supports new housing in the built-up area, in which the property sits.

She said: ‘Having balanced the impact of the development on setting of the listed building against the presumption of support for new housing in the built-up area, the need to deliver sustainable development and to achieve the highest possible density of development, I have reached the conclusion that there is sufficient justification to override the conflict with Policy HE1 [which protects listed buildings] in this particular case.’

But Deputy Young did not agree. In a report accompanying a ministerial decision recording his granting of the appeal, he says he gave the inspector’s report ‘full consideration’ and appreciated the balanced way in which the various issues were considered.

But he adds: ‘However, the minister considered that any such presumption in favour of new development within the built-up area did not, necessarily, override the need to satisfy criteria that may be required by other plan policies.

‘In this instance, the need to preserve or enhance the spaces about listed buildings and the clear presumption given by Policy HE1 in favour of the preservation of the architectural and historic character and integrity of listed buildings and places and their settings were important material considerations. The minister did not consider that any potential benefit accruing from the approval of the proposed development would outweigh the adverse impact on the setting of the listed building.’

– Advertisement –
– Advertisement –