Squeeze?


The firm had bought the site on the understanding that there would be provision for 11 open market houses and five affordable units. Subsequently, the RSL lowered the price they were prepared to pay and the firm decided that they could not afford to build more than three, and a planning officer recommended the approval of this. But the inspector reckoned that the council was justified in requiring the original number, based on the profit margin.


What is a fair profit? How much of this case is commercially sensitive? Are there Government guidelines? Should there be? How much is attributable to severe shortage of such accommodation?


DCS No: 100038944


Fluid policies; uncertain results; political pressure


This appeal relates to the evolution of a new settlement and to sustain- ability. The master-plan had limited numbers to 750 and density to 20 dwellings per hectare. Building had begun. The appellants proposed to increase densities to 40 p.h. for the un-built remainder, taking up the final numbers to 880. The council had two concerns: the effect of the higher density on the periphery of a countryside settlement, and the effect on the emerging Local Development Framework's land allocation projections. But the inspector noted that a sensitive and appropriate design could be produced and that the master plan's densities were not in accordance with PPG3. So he allowed the change.


How old was the master plan and what were its parameters? How long before the social impact shows, and who or what will evaluate it?


(Presumably the estate agents.) What is a windfall?


DCS: No: 1 00038962


Where, oh! Where? An appeal has failed because a special needs facility needing to expand lies in the countryside. The inspector decided it did not meet the definition of housing designed to meet local needs. Whilst recognising the need to provide for special needs accommodation, he concluded that there was no evidence to demonstrate that it had to be met on the proposed site rather than in an existing settlement.


How many of those needing a half- way house before moving /returning to general purpose housing would want to be in the countryside? Does there need to be some explicit legislation to cover this need. Could it be achieved without more joined-up government? However, joined up thinking could be draconian. In the case of an asylum- seekers centre, the inspector supported the L.A. 's refusal.


DCS No: 100038929


Too soon, too greedy An inspector has rejected a proposal to build 99 houses, which would enlarge a village in Scotland by 10%. The rural centre was expected to take another 15 houses according to the 1989 Structure Plan. The emerging local plan included a proposal from the inspector that had not yet been considered, for an increase of 60. An adequate supply in the area could lead to that being rejected.


10% may indeed be too many in one dose. Many ASHTAV settlements will have grown by far more, but over a period of years.


DCS No: 100038797 17


Flood risk


A local plan had proposed several sites at risk of flooding, in South Wales. Plans were called in. The risk could be reduced by protection and mitigation measures. However, the Assembly, relying on Technical Advice Note 15 concluded that the risk in highly vulnerable areas is the overriding factor.


Better safe than sorry. DCS No: 100037164


Prescott follows a


Roman precedent A scheme which re-routes an A road has been allowed in Bedford- shire. Re-routing and realignment of a number of junctions, to include landscaping and trees makes possible an urban design scheme to provide a safe, and attractive environment for pedestrians and motorists on a 42 hectare site that was an RAF base.,


Admirable.


Better than closure as has happened in other counties. DCS No: 100038904


.GREENER HOUSE IN PENRITH The United Kingdom’s 's first eco-street is being launched in the small Cumbrian market town of Penrith as sustainable living techniques are being installed in homes. Local residents are transforming Arthur Street. Three of them formulated the idea and applied for a grant.


One of five pilots in the Cumbria sustain- able communities project, it is funded by the Department for the Environment's environmental action fund (EAF) along- side 35 other schemes.


The project invites people to make life- style choices that benefit the environment at a local level. The project aims to make it possible for everyone in this community to follow this route.


For more details see The Guardian. 2nd February 2006


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