The site is in the Green Belt and had been subject to a dismissed appeal, which was successfully legally challenged on the basis the Inspector had failed to give weight to compliance with the Government’s Golden Rules. The decision was therefore quashed.

We were appointed to handle the reconvened public inquiry, providing expert witness services. The appeal was allowed, with the Inspector finding the site comprised grey belt land.

We coordinated the preparation of the revised appeal, heard by public inquiry, also providing expert witness services in relation to Planning Policy and Planning Balance matters.

Midway through the Inquiry, the council conceded its case and accepted that the appeal should be allowed. The Inspector agreed, allowing the appeal - finding that it comprised grey belt land (contrary to the prior Inspector’s findings) and complied with the Government’s Golden Rules.