Eclipse Planning Services were instructed to advise on a complex redevelopment opportunity involving the replacement of a joinery workshop in Whittlesford with 7 dwellings. The site is located outside the development framework and within the South Cambridgeshire Green Belt.

Planning policy allows for the partial or complete redevelopment of previously developed land which would not have a greater impact on the openness of the Green Belt and its purpose. We prepared a comprehensive planning application that demonstrated that there would be a considerable reduction in built form, as well as a reduction in the visual impact of the site, that there was no market interest in the commercial premises following a 12 month marketing campaign and that the site is sustainably located. Prior to the submission of the application we held pre-application discussions with South Cambridgeshire District Council and a public consultation event.

The proposal was recommended for approval by Officers, although refused by the Planning Committee. We submitted a robust planning appeal, which the Inspector allowed clearly stating that the planning balance was firmly in favour of the proposal.