Part 20, Class A – Inspector agrees with Newsteer that the ‘external appearance of the building’ is a relatively narrow assessment confined only to the appearance of the building itself”

Appeal allowed under Part 20, Class A of the GPDO 2015 (as amended) for the construction of two additional storeys on the existing six storey block of flats to provide 22no dwellings. Prior approval was refused (in part) under Paragraph A.2(1)(e) on the grounds that the bulk and height of the building would be dominant within its surroundings and that it would cause harm to the character of the area. The Inspector agreed with Newsteer however in that ‘the external appearance of the building’ is a relatively narrow assessment confined only to the appearance of the building itself, and not to any effect in relation to the surrounding area. This is an important decision and one that will no doubt impact on a Council’s ability to refuse prior approvals in the future.

For further details please contact David Brown or Jessica Wilson or on matters surrounding transport, Stuart Choak at Calibro Consultants Ltd.