Good news for Kelvin Close

A rare item of good news has come to my attention in the form of the planning inspector's rejection of the developers' appeal on Kelvin Close.

Well done to local residents for securing this result through their representations.

The main issues considered by the inspector were:

Firstly, the effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area.

Secondly, effect of the proposal on the living conditions of the occupiers of 24 Kelvin Close with regard to noise and overlooking and 21A Kelvin Close in relation to natural light and visual impact. Thirdly, the effect of the proposal on the provision of public open space, community development facilities, education and transport.

For once it is clear that someone in the planning system 'gets' it:

Clearly, the rhythm of development created by the symmetrical layout of semi-detached houses on the Close is an important feature of its character and appearance.

It seems that the government's removal of a "national indicative minimum density of 30 dwellings per hectare" was helpful here and will be helpful in the future when this perceived requirement may have tipped some applications towards acceptance despite other reservations.

It is a shame that area committee amateurs gave permission for the care home to be expanded - their case was clearly weak - as there is no appeal for successful applications, only failed ones.