Appeal Success at North Somerset

We are delighted to have assisted in securing permission for Persimmon Homes at appeal for up to 125 dwellings (including 30% affordable housing and 5% self and custom build) on land at Farleigh Farm, Backwell in North Somerset. The appeal site had previously been subject to three dismissed appeals, including most recently a Secretary of State call-in dismissal.

Senior Director, James Stacey, gave evidence on affordable housing and Director, Andy Moger, gave evidence on self-build and custom housebuilding.

In setting out her decision, the Inspector agreed with our evidence on affordable housing in finding that delivery had fallen significantly short of meeting affordable housing needs and that deliverable housing supply suggests that the Council would continue to fall short of the needs identified in the Local Housing Needs Assessment. She also found that in line with the evidence of James Stacey, trends in affordability indicators highlight the increasing problem, particularly in terms of house prices and rent levels, noting that the interest of those households in need often go under-represented at inquiries.

The Inspector also agreed with our assessment that the Council had accrued a shortfall of 147 serviced plots for self and custom build and that the lack of target level provision from the adopted Plan policies meant that future supply of plots was highly uncertain. Resultantly she found that the 6 serviced plots through the appeal proposals would assist with meeting unmet needs and provide social benefits.

The appellant team was led by Christopher Young QC, supported by Leanne B., who called Kathryn Ventham, Caroline Featherston, Nick Paterson-Neild, Gary Holliday, Gareth Howell, Sam Hurdwell, Graham Eves and Chris Charlton to give evidence in their respective areas of expertise.