"A bad decision for the English planning system" - Council loses three-year campaign against 750-home estate proposal

In 2014 IM Properties submitted the proposal for the mammoth-sized estate at Watery Lane in Curborough but later that year Lichfield District Council rejected the scheme,

The authority argued the location was not included in its Local Plan, the site was unsustainable, whilst it would have a detrimental impact on the local landscape included views of Lichfield Cathedral.

The developer appealed the decision only for an independent planning inspectorate to review the case and recommend the council's decision was upheld.

But the Secretary of State went against that and ruled in the firm's favour granting approval earlier this year concluding the economic benefits of providing affordable and market housing outweighed the council's objections.

However that was not the end of the matter after the council took the decision to the High Court which presided over the case for two days in July.

Now the council has confirmed Judge Singh has ruled against them and also ordered that the authority pay all of the costs for the case worth about £40,000.

Councillor Ian Pritchard, economic growth chief, branded the outcome a 'bad decision' for the English planning system.

He said: “While we accept the High Court’s view that the Secretary of State’s decision was not unlawful in disagreeing with the planning inspector, the fact remains that this is a bad decision for Lichfield District and for the planning system in England.

“By producing up to date local plans and planning to meet needs within an area, national planning policy makes it clear that local authorities, such as Lichfield District Council, will be supported in refusing applications that are not in accordance with a plan. This is a well-established and understood principle that provides certainty and confidence in decision taking.

“Unfortunately, in this case the Secretary of State’s desire to see more houses developed in England has completely overridden any other considerations, including the fact that we are planning to meet our needs and carrying out this responsibility.”