Julie James MS, Welsh Minister for Climate Change (S8 E3)

Our Special Guest this week is Julie James MS, Welsh Minister for Climate Change. Decisions of the Week: Decision of an inspector dated 11th October 2022 concerning an appeal by Waddeton Park Ltd against the refusal by Exeter City Council to grant permission for an outline phased development of up to 100 dwellings on a greenfield site, raising issues about the effect of development in a strategic gap and the Exe Estuary SPA & Pebblebed Heaths SAC & SPA. Decision of an inspector dated 10th October 2022 allowing Bellway Homes Ltd’s appeals for residential development of 119 dwellings on phases 3 &4 and 183 dwellings on phase 5 against the refusals by Bolton MBC, both on land designated as “other Protected Land” in the Bolton Core Strategy. Issues raised about the impact on landscape character & visual impact of sites outside but abutting the settlement boundary. Decision of an inspector dated 4th October 2022 refusing to confirm the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham Council (Vicarage Field and surrounding land) Compulsory Purchase Order 2021 under section 226(1)(a) of the Town & Country Planning Act to facilitate, amongst other matters, the redevelopment of the Vicarage Field Shopping Centre. Viability of the scheme with outline permission not demonstrated by AA. Decision of an inspector dated 5 October 2022 allowing an appeal by Robert Hitchens Ltd against non-determination by Cheltenham Borough Council, of an outline application for up to 250 dwellings at Oakley Farm, Cheltenham in the Cotswold AONB. No 5 yr HLS. Three rule 6 parties. Issues raised around design, impact on character & appearance, impacts on designated heritage assets. Application of NPPF 177 re AONB & 202 re-designated heritage assets. Tilted balance, not displaced.