HC Deb 10 July 2001 vol 371 cc435-6W
Mr. Laurence Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what factors underlay his Department's inspector's recent decision to allow an appeal to build eight houses at Harbourside, Tewkesbury. [1851]

Ms Keeble

[holding answer 3 July 2001]: The decision to grant planning permission was made by a Planning Inspector. I have therefore asked the Planning Inspectorate's Chief Executive, Mr. Chris Shepley, to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from Chris Shepley to Mr. Laurence Robertson, dated 10 July 2001: The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your Question about the planning appeal decision to allow housing on land at Bredon Road, Tewkesbury (the "Harbourside" site). The Inspector issued her decision on 17 May and I am enclosing a copy of her decision that explains her reasons for allowing the development. As you will see, Tewkesbury Borough Council did not object to the principle of housing on the site and the Environment Agency confirmed that the development did not prejudice its Floodplain Management Policies. The Inspector's main issue was the effect of the dwellings on the existing development around the marina site. It is clear from paragraphs 7–13 of the decision, that there are already two existing residential developments, along the south-western and south-eastern sides of the marina basin. The Inspector had to consider whether the proposed development, to be sited alongside the north-eastern boundary would fit in with the existing housing and environment. The Inspector found that, in her view, the proposals would enhance the existing sense of enclosure, and produce a lively and balanced composition around the marina, integrating satisfactorily into the existing housing and the surrounding area. She concludes, in paragraph 13, that the proposal would not conflict with the Council's development plan, and subsequently granted permission, subject to a number of conditions designed to protect the sensitivity of the site and to ensure the scheme complies with the development plan.