Shortfall in Housing Supply Outweighs Urban Green Space

Following a three day public inquiry in which Spawforths gave expert evidence on housing delivery, policy and greenspace matters, the Planning Inspector who considered a recent appeal at Catcliffe has fully endorsed our approach and granted planning permission.

The vacant site lies on the edge of the Catcliffe in Rotherham and is designated as urban green space. The Inspector concluded that the Council could not demonstrate a five year supply of housing; that the appeal proposal would cause no harm to the Council`s approved spatial strategy and settlement hierarchy; and that it would “secure a significant enhancement in the value of the `retained land` as urban green space with a positive overall contribution to the green infrastructure corridor along the A630”.

The Council had put a blanket Tree Preservation Order on the site following the refusal of planning permission in June 2016, but the Inspector agreed with Network Space, that the trees comprised `scrub` and had no arboricultural merit. In these circumstances, the Inspector concluded that the proposed built development would not result in unacceptable harm to the amenity value of the site and that the need for new housing was the over-riding consideration.

Should you wish to discuss any issues arising from this appeal, please contact David Rolinson or Hannah Richardson.