Larkfleet Group's Glinton Development Appeal Moves Forward Despite Council's Initial Refusal

Strategic Insights -

In a bizarre turn of events, the council that initially refused Larkfleet Group's proposed 95-home Glinton development has reached a statement of common ground with the developer ahead of a public inquiry into the appeal. The inquiry is scheduled to begin on July 1, where both parties will argue that planning permission should be granted. This is despite the council's initial objections that the development would cause "significant harm to the character and appearance of the area" and conflict with policy.

Key Takeaways:

  • The council refused Larkfleet Group's proposed 95-home development in Glinton in January, citing concerns over character and appearance, as well as policy conflicts.
  • An appeal was lodged by the developer, and a public inquiry is set to begin on July 1.
  • Ahead of the inquiry, a statement of common ground was reached, with both parties agreeing that planning permission should be granted.
  • The council admitted it was unable to demonstrate a five-year housing supply, rendering its "most important policies for determining the appeal" out of date.
  • Both parties agree on the need for affordable housing in the area, but disagree on the extent of the need and the weight to be attributed to its provision.
  • The proposed development includes a mix of 2-5 bedroom homes, with 30% affordable housing, and would include open space, recreational areas, and improvements to the Glinton Roundabout.
  • The development would be funded through a section 106 agreement, with the developer covering the cost of the third approach lane at Glinton Roundabout.
  • The council has allocated 355 homes for the Glinton area in its Draft Local Plan, which outlines how the city and surrounding villages could grow over the next 20 years.
  • Other proposed developments in Glinton, including a 250-home project and a 24-home scheme, were refused in recent months.

Statistics:

  • 95: number of homes proposed in the Larkfleet Group development.
  • 30%: proportion of affordable housing in the proposed development.
  • 70%: proportion of affordable rent housing in the proposed development.
  • 30%: proportion of shared ownership housing in the proposed development.
  • 355: number of homes allocated for the Glinton area in the council's Draft Local Plan.
  • 250: number of homes proposed in a previously refused Glinton development.
  • 24: number of homes proposed in a previously refused Glinton development.

Sources:

  • Larkfleet Group press release
  • [1] "Larkfleet Group's proposed Glinton development moves forward despite council's initial refusal" Peterborough Telegraph