SDC secures key planning appeal decision

Stratford-on-Avon District Council has successfully secured a key Planning Appeal decision after seeking a judicial review of the original appeal approval.

The case involved a scheme for the conversion of an annexe/garage building to a one-bedroom house in the village of Broom, near Bidford-on-Avon. Council officers refused the application as contrary to the 'made' Bidford Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP), which does not allow for the conversion of buildings outside the built-up area of Bidford village itself.  

The original planning inspector disagreed and allowed the scheme as being in accordance with the Core Strategy. In response, the Council successfully sought a judicial review of this decision, which was quashed and referred back to a different inspector, who dismissed the scheme in line with the more recent NDP.  

Councillor Sarah Whalley-Hoggins, Community Portfolio, says: "Because more and more communities are now producing Neighbourhood Development Plans, their role in decision-making is increasing, and the result of the Council's legal challenge puts down an important marker on their status where they contain different policies from the Core Strategy.  

"This is the right outcome for the district and the parish of Bidford-on-Avon, with the dedication of residents who prepared the Neighbourhood Development Plan being reflected in this decision."