Evidence-based approach helps win appeal

Outline planning permission has been granted for 20 dwellings on a sustainable site in Kent after an appeal.  The development will provide affordable, much-needed housing, including first homes on land south of Dunlin Walk, Iwade.  Motion supported Barratt David Wilson (BDW) Homes during a three-year involvement with the project, more recently providing advice on the reserved matters application and evidence-based support during the appeal. 

Karen Dunn, Planning Manager at Barratt David Wilson Homes, explains, “Motion was appointed by BDW Kent to support an outline application for up to 20 new homes, with all matters reserved other than access.  Disappointingly, the local planning authority refused the scheme on highways matters.”  Karen continues, “Motion helped to overcome this decision at appeal by taking a lead role in the assessment and preparation of evidence to counter the council’s arguments.  This ensured that much-needed family homes could be provided in a highly sustainable location.”

Motion’s evidence was key in helping to overturn the planning decision by demonstrating that the appeal scheme satisfied all relevant national and local transport-related planning policies, including parking and access.  By providing a robust argument and advocating good practice, the team was able to show that there was no unacceptable impact on highway safety or on the surrounding road network.

Andrew Watson, Director Planning at Savills, adds, “Motion had a very good, in-depth understanding of the issues that needed to be resolved, both in terms of parking and the servicing and access arrangements.  The team demonstrated a forensic grasp of the detail and were able to answer all the questions posed by the planning inspector in a very lucid manner.”

Image credit: © Barratt David Wilson Homes

An abridged version of this article first appeared in the Summer 2022 edition of Insight.