Planning Inspectorate again dismisses appeal to build on the Green Belt in Castle Point
In December 2023, Castle Point Borough Council’s Development Management Committee voted for the officer’s recommendation to refuse outline permission for up to 455 new homes, a new multi-use community hall, land for a healthcare facility and standalone early years and childcare nursery as well as other associated infrastructure, as it was within the Green Belt and was considered that the proposal would significantly harm the purposes of the Green Belt.
Following a four-day Inquiry held at the Council Offices in June 2024, the Planning Inspector has now determined that “I have found that substantial and significant levels of harm would be caused by the proposal to the openness of the Green Belt in spatial and visual terms respectively”.
Responding to the decision, Cllr Warren Gibson, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Strategic Planning, said: “This outcome is a testament to the hard work of officers, the councillors and members of the public for their involvement in this application and appeal.”
"The Council was therefore able to robustly defend the reason for refusal and we welcome the thorough work undertaken by the Planning Inspector to dismiss this appeal, which protects this important area of Green Belt”.