Peter Evans Partnership | Appeal win for residential development, Somerset
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PEP appeal approved
20th July 2020 In Latest News, Planning Application, Projects, Residential

Appeal win for residential development, Somerset

Peter Evans Partnership was appointed by Stonewater Housing Association, which operates across 140 local authorities, after the original planning application for a residential development in Merriott was refused by South Somerset District Council.

Merriott is a village near Crewkerne in Somerset. The proposed Stonewater development comprises 39 homes on a greenfield site, of which 14 are classed as affordable. A total of 93 parking spaces will be provided, with the homes ranging from two to five bedrooms.

Charlotte Brace from Stonewater, talks here about the importance of rural developments.

Two of the reasons for initial refusal of the development related to transport matters.

One reason related to parking which was consistent with NPPF but not fully with local guidance. A shortfall in parking spaces raised concerns about alternative parking places affecting residents, and the perceived impact on road safety.

The other reason related to a public right of way footpath, which crossed the site and has a steep gradient.

PEP prepared a Transport Appeal Statement for the written representations required for the planning appeal. The team provided transport evidence for both of the transport refusal reasons. This included assessing the demographics of the local area, location of local facilities and the associated anticipated car parking demand.

Detailed assessment of the footpath included confirming the gradients achieved on the path and whether they would satisfy design requirements. Once the Appeal was lodged PEP also prepared Transport Rebuttal addressing matters raised by the council and third parties in the appeal statements submitted.

PEP also provided advice to the team on a Reserved Matters planning application which was running alongside the Appeal. This included preparing a more detailed road design on the steeply sloping site to address queries raised by the highway authority.

Appeal was granted in July 2020.

PEP had already won two other planning appeals earlier in 2020 for 200 dwellings in Torrington, Devon and a drive-thru restaurant in Whiteley, Hampshire. The latter was a full award of costs.