October 2022

Following refusal by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council for the erection of extensions and alterations D&M Planning Ltd were instructed to submit an appeal. The site is located within an area designated as being a residential area of special character. During the course of the application the Council adopted new guidance attempting to afford greater weight to the Arts and Crafts and Surrey Revival of the area and prevent further monumentalism in design. The Council refused the application on this basis, namely that it would detract from the character of the area.

We successfully argued that regardless of the new guidance the character of the properties within the street scene included examples of similar proposals to that which had been refused. We argued that the policy which was the most important argument referenced the importance of preserving the character of the area which this proposal would ensure.

The Inspector agreed with the arguments made with one exception being in relation to the pedestrian gate. Based on such the Inspector allowed all elements of the appeal apart from the pedestrian gate.

Reigate & Banstead Borough Council have historically refused applications in this area of Special Residential Character to try and protect its character and we are pleased to have successfully distinguished the crucial difference between policy and guidance in getting the appeal allowed.