Following a Hearing held in July planning permission has been granted for the conversion Clocktower Stables in Kingswood to provide 7 x 2 bed and 3 x 1 bed residential units.

The Inspector identified three main issues to consider regarding the appeal proposal. Firstly, whether the proposal consituted inappropriate development within the Green Belt. Secondly, the impact of the proposed development in sustainability terms and thirdly, whether there are any material considerations sufficient to clearly outweigh any harm to the Green Belt.

Turning to the first issue the Inspector considered that the proposal would comply with Policy Co1 and Co3 of the Local Plan and would therefore not consitute inappropriate development. Thus the third issue need not be considered as very special circumstances were not required to justify the proposal.

The second issue concerned sustainability. The Inspector noted that the appeal site was not well located in terms of PPG13 requirements. However, the proposal did not constitute inappropriate development and whilst the emphasis for new development is primarily on the existing urban areas, there is no prohibition on the re-use of buildings in other areas where appropriate criteria are met.

For further information regarding this case please do not hesitate to contact either Spencer Copping or Richard Green on 01737 225711 quoting the following Reference: REI/823/SC/RG/C51.