High Peak Borough Council
Cunnane Town Planning recently provided High Peak Borough Council with an expert witness service in defending their decision to refuse planning permission for residential development by a major house builder. Success at the public inquiry was essential for the Borough Council as it was the first major test of its housing restraint policy.
The Practice worked closely with Counsel and officers of the Borough Council in providing a strong case that culminated in the appeal being dismissed. Despite the appellant’s attempt to argue that the proposed development should have fallen within the category of an exception, the Inspector agreed that the proposal would have undermined the prevailing strategy of housing restraint that underpins the wider regeneration objectives of the region.
The Inspector considered that to allow the appeal would have compromised the Borough Council’s ability to effectively manage the release of housing land, in turn exacerbating housing over-supply.
