GraceMachin
Planning & Property has successfully overturned a planning refusal at
appeal, securing permission for a two-storey equestrian teaching facility in
the Green Belt.
The
original application for the site in Ravenshead, Nottinghamshire, was refused
by Gedling Borough Council on several significant Green Belt grounds. The
applicant approached GraceMachin to assess whether there was a realistic
prospect of challenging the Council’s decision at appeal.
From
the outset, GraceMachin advised that the proposal represented a challenging
case involving a range of complex planning issues. However, guidance from
George Machin, Partner at GraceMachin, was to focus the
appeal case on the very
special circumstances associated with this unique equine teaching
facility, repositioning the proposal in a positive and compelling manner.
Although the Inspector concluded that the development would constitute “inappropriate development” due to its overall design and scale, GraceMachin successfully demonstrated that very special circumstances applied. As a result, planning permission was granted for the new two-storey equestrian teaching facility for disabled users in Ravenshead, Nottinghamshire.
In the appeal decision, the Planning Inspectorate highlighted the significant weight to be given to the public sector equality duty under Section 149 of the Equality Act 2010. This includes the need to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic, such as a disability. The Inspector placed considerable weight on GraceMachin’s evidence that emotional wellbeing, mindfulness and inclusion will be central to all Animal Assisted Intervention programmes at the proposed facility (paragraph 27 of the decision notice).
Commenting on the outcome, George Machin said:
“I am always delighted to win an appeal. However, in this case, it was particularly pleasing that the appointed Inspector fully engaged with all aspects of the proposal. This is a unique development that raised a number of complex planning issues, and we were able to present a robust and meaningful case focused on the key public benefits for users of the site and the staff employed there. Ultimately, we demonstrated a clear and justified planning balance in which Green Belt concerns were outweighed by the significant public benefits. A great success for all involved.”
About GraceMachin Planning & Property
GraceMachin Planning & Property is a specialist planning consultancy with a reputation for delivering complex planning permissions across the Midlands and beyond. With a pragmatic and client-focused approach, the firm delivers success across sectors including equestrian, sport, leisure, residential, agricultural and commercial.
To learn more or discuss upcoming projects, call us on 0115 958 2322.
