Planning Appeal Won
Fowlers have won a planning appeal for a new house in the South Downs National Park.
Planning appeal won in the South Downs National Park
Our clients wanted to replace the existing house on a beautiful plot in the South Downs National Park. We designed a scheme for a generous country home, however our plans were refused planning permission in January 2019. The Council considered the house to be a heritage asset, and therefore the the proposal would result in an unacceptable loss.
After refusing our application, the Council applied to Historic England to add the building to the list as a non-designated heritage asset. This was unsuccessful because the building was in too poor a condition.
So we submitted an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate, and received the decision in August granting planning permission.
This is an important decision for us, and it also reaffirms Planning Practice Guidance advice on non-designated heritage assets. The advice is that only a small number of buildings are suitable to be non-designated heritage assets, and that decisions should always be balanced. Councils must explain the reasons for keeping a building, based on its historical significance, and if it does not have any other protections against demolition or alterations.
New Build House in the South Downs
The Inspector greatly welcomed the architectural design of the replacement building that would make significant improvement to the significance of the landscape setting.
The new house will be 80% larger than the original building. The design includes formal entertaining spaces as well as open plan family rooms. Upstairs there are 4 bedroom suites and staff accommodation.
We’re incredibly happy with the result for our client, and the building work is due to start in Autumn 2019.
More information on Planning Appeals
For more information on the Appeal process, get in touch with us, or see guidance on the Planning Portal.
How can we help?
Contact us for advice on all aspects of planning permission and architectural services for your project.
We can be involved in as many or as few stages of your project as needed.
