Latest news with #planninginquiry
BBC News
6 hours ago
- Business
- BBC News
Kennet Shopping Centre redevelopment appeal hearing ends
A planning inquiry into a council's rejection of a town centre redevelopment has been Berkshire Council's planning committee rejected the proposal for a residential and retail development with more than 400 flats at the Kennet Shopping Centre in Newbury, and an appeal into the decision began on 4 for and against made their closing statements to the inspector on Thursday, before it was adjourned for two weeks for additional paperwork to be inspector Richard Aston will make his ruling in August. The proposals would see 427 buy-to-rent flats built, as well as a new street linking the town centre to the conservationists and Newbury Town Council raised "serious concerns" about the effect on the townscape of the height and scale of the proposed development, and urged the inspector to dismiss the Norman from the town council pointed out that an alternative scheme, which has not yet been heard by the council, had "received broad support"."The town centre deserves a scheme that enhances the public realm, supports a vibrant local economy, and responds sensitively to its unique historic context," he plans were turned down by councillors against the advice of officers - something they are entitled in law to council's heritage expert also went against the previous officer recommendations, saying the development would "cause harm" to the character of Newbury. You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
BBC News
04-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Developer submits Loggerheads 138-home plan after appeal win
Detailed plans have been submitted for nearly 140 new homes in a village after campaigners lost a battle to block the Homes won its appeal earlier this year to overturn Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council's decision to refuse planning permission for up to 150 homes in Loggerheads, developer is now seeking approval for "reserved matters" including appearance, landscaping and layout of the 138-home developer said the scheme would include 42 affordable homes. More than 400 people objected to the original planning application and members of the Save our Village group also went to the planning originally blocked the proposals, earmarked for land north of Mucklestone Wood Lane and east of Rock Lane, over concerns about limited public transport and the effects on the countryside, as well as the Grade II listed White House Farm.A planning inspector disagreed with the decision however, ruling that the site was in a "suitable location" with good access to services and other needs in the village.A planning statement submitted as part of the application said the area was connected by regular public transport to Market Drayton, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Hanley and further afield."A range of house types, sizes and tenures will be provided on site, made up of two, three and four bedroom dwellings," it said."The proposed dwellings will be one and two storeys and garages will be provided at single storey scale."All homes will benefit from private gardens and allocated parking spaces."Open spaces and play areas of various types and sizes will be provided around the perimeter of the site and will be well connected to the residential dwellings via a network of footpaths and cycleways." This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations. Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
20-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Appeal hearing into major solar farm under way in Northamptonshire
A public inquiry into the rejection of plans for a major solar farm in Northamptonshire has heard from the planning agents and opposition proposed facility at land south of Wood Lodge Farm near Thrapston would cover 145 acres (59 hectares) alongside the applicant said the development was designed to generate enough power for up to 15,000 Major, a government-appointed planning inspector, is overseeing the two-day hearing. North Northamptonshire Council turned down the plans in October 2024, against the advice of its planning Brackenbury, who was chair of the council's planning committee when the application was considered, told the hearing: "This is a speculative development proposal on a greenfield site, which would result in the loss of good quality agricultural land and would present significant pressures on the local highway network as well as causing irreversible harm to the amenity and character of the local area." The hearing is looking at four main areas: the impact on a special protection area (SPA), impact on the landscape, use of agricultural land and access and highways of the opening day's discussion focused on whether the proposed site was "functionally linked land".This is a term used to describe areas of land that, while not officially designated as protected, are critical for supporting biodiversity and ecological processes of nearby protected sites. According to the council's report on the application, eight designated sites of nature conservation importance are located within 5km (3.1miles) of the proposed development site.A statement from the Cheney family, who own the land and have farmed the site since 1938, was read out to the said the decision to allow the solar farm "was not made lightly" and they "deliberately selected the poorest quality land on the holding".They added the project was "not about abandoning farming, it is about preserving it".Stuart Fyfe, a long-time resident who lives close to the site, told the hearing he was opposed to the solar farm and that he would "protect my home at all costs".John Franklin, who lives in Titchmarsh, added: "I am deeply concerned about the devastating effects that the proposed development will have on the countryside and wildlife."A site visit is expected to take place on planning inspector's verdict will be released on an unspecified date following the hearing. Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
