Harm to Cookham Dean greenbelt sees self-build homes appeal dismissed

‘No special circumstances’ were identified that would outweigh the harm to Cookham Dean’s greenbelt if two self-build homes were approved, a planning inspector has ruled.

Plans ‘in principle’ for up to two self-build homes on a piece of land at Dean Stables in Hills Lane were rejected after the Royal Borough deemed the development ‘unacceptable’.

In an appeal decision, a Government planning inspector thought that although there is a small stable building near the site, the land has a ‘distinctly rural character’.

Developer Livedin submitted its plans to the council last year.  The plans argue the Royal Borough has a ‘severe shortfall’ when it comes to self-builds.

Planning documents said: “This is not a typical application for two homes.

“It is an opportunity to do something really valuable for Cookham Dean at a time when rural villages are under the squeeze from rocketing housing prices, from lack of availability, and from planning policies that too often overlook the specific needs of people who want to make their lives here.”

At the time, a string of objections from residents and Cookham Parish Council were lodged raising concerns over the traffic generated from the homes and the greenbelt, which would be ‘significantly compromised’.

The proposals were therefore refused and the Royal Borough cited the harm to the openness of the greenbelt, with the homes being ‘inappropriate’ on the land.

The developer appealed to the Planning Inspectorate – a Government organisation that resolves planning disputes.

Since the appeal was lodged, comments from Cookham Parish Council, residents and the Cookham Society were once again submitted.

These asked the Planning Inspectorate to refuse the appeal.

Cookham Parish Council said: “Were permission for two dwellings on the small, proposed plot to be granted, this would result in a highly visible and incongruous development which would be completely out of context with its surroundings.”

A resident’s objection said Hill Lane is a narrow road and the homes would lead to an increase in traffic, making it ‘simply dangerous’.

A statement of case on its appeal from Livedin said that even if the homes are ‘inappropriate’, the harm to the land is ‘limited’.

It said: “The council’s case for refusal is built on a single, incorrect premise.

“The appeal site is in a sustainable location for a rural village, with good access to a wide range of services and facilities within appropriate walking distances.”

However, in a report published this month, the inspector ruled in favour of the council’s decision and dismissed the appeal.

The inspector thought essential services like a pharmacy, shops and a post office were not within walking distance, with ‘unsafe’ pedestrian access.

They said that although the development would add to the self-build opportunities in Cookham Dean, two homes are only ‘a modest increase’.