He granted outline planning permission for 95 houses on land off Buckingham Road, Steeple Claydon (click to view the plan).

Strutt & Parker acted for the promoter Manor Oak Homes in securing planning permission and are retained by the Claydon Estate who own the land.

In a finely balanced decision (click to view), the Inspector decided that in the context of the out-of-date development plan, the benefits of the scheme were not significantly and demonstrably outweighed by what he considered to be adverse landscape impacts.

In our view, there are three reasons why we achieved a successful outcome:

• It was important to emphasise the benefits of the scheme, particularly the delivery of affordable housing which the Inspector considered should carry significant weight.
• Although the Council was able to demonstrate a five-year supply (deemed to be 5.72 years), this was tempered by the fact that the Inspector acknowledged the potential extent of unmet need in neighbouring authorities. We highlighted that at least some of that unmet need will have to be accommodated in Aylesbury Vale.
• Timing in relation to the Steeple Claydon Neighbourhood Plan (at pre-submission stage). It is worth noting that on the same day of the decision, Sajid Javid rejected an Inspector’s recommendation and blocked a scheme at Buckingham where it conflicted with the made Buckingham Neighbourhood Plan.

The site will be marketed by our Development Team shortly, to register your initial interest please contact Richard Foxon.

For further details on the proposal, the appeal decision or general planning and development advice, please do not hesitate to contact the Oxford Team.