Stoke Poges: Planning Appeal Success

We are pleased to hear that a planning appeal for the redevelopment of 4 Clevehurst Close, Stoke Poges has been dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate.

ONH was instructed by the Clevehurst Close Residents’ Association in Stokes Poges, Bucks, to prepare a detailed written representation opposing a proposal to demolish the existing chalet bungalow and replace it with a two-and-a-half storey building of nine apartments, together with a new access, parking and landscaping. 

The Inspector agreed with us and the local residents that the proposed development would cause significant harm to the character and appearance of Clevehurst Close, an area characterised by detached two-storey homes in spacious plots, as illustrated in the Stoke Poges Design Code. The scheme’s scale, massing and design were judged incongruous with the street scene, eroding the spaciousness of the site and introducing an overly dominant apartment block form. It was therefore in conflict with the development plan.

Importantly, the appeal was determined as the Stoke Poges Neighbourhood Plan (with its Code) was being formally made by Buckinghamshire Council. We made clear this meant that the Plan carried full weight and the Inspector specifically referenced the conflicts with its policies.

This is another example of the strength in neighbourhood plans and local design codes in shaping planning outcomes. Having supported the Parish Council in preparing their plan and then working with residents to defend its policies in this case, we are delighted to see the community’s vision for the parish upheld so firmly.