215 homes allowed on appeal in Barnsley

A planning inspector has granted planning permission for up to 215 homes in Barnsley, following a successful appeal against Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council’s refusal.

The proposed development is located within a larger area allocated in the Barnsley Local Plan for 1,683 homes, supported by a Masterplan and Delivery Strategy. The Inspector found that any deviations from the Masterplan and Delivery Strategy were minor and would not result in any overall harm and that “Whilst the Masterplan and Delivery Strategy are important material considerations, they should not be used in a way that is so restrictive it would prevent a policy compliant scheme coming forward. A balanced approach must be taken.”

The Inspector also noted that no other planning permission had been granted for the wider allocation and that permitting development to proceed on this site could provide a “catalyst” to other sites coming forward.

The appeal decision is available here.

Sasha White KC and Anjoli Foster acted for the successful appellant, instructed by Gateley Legal.