3,000 Days for a single dwelling...

After more than 3,000 days - almost nine years - a single self-build dwelling in Elmbridge has finally secured planning permission!

What began as a straightforward proposal became an extraordinary example of how complex, and at times harrowing, the planning system can be for individual applicants seeking a small residential development.

The development faced repeated delays linked to affordable housing viability requirements, shifting national policies, and the borough’s ongoing difficulties maintaining a deliverable housing supply. Furthermore, the Council also had difficulty demonstrating adequate self-build schemes being delivered.

The scheme has seen five Prime Ministers and seven iterations of the National Planning Policy Framework - though all of versions of the Framework were consistent on one point - that the provision of affordable housing should not be sought for residential developments that are not major developments, other than in designated rural areas.

Despite being a modest, single self-build proposal, the Council sought an unviable affordable housing contribution - a position that conflicted with national policy. Viable Placemaking were instructed to review the case and quickly identified that the local approach was unsound. You can read more about this analysis here. This case was accepted, establishing an important precedent for the fair treatment of minor developments.

While the delays caused significant frustration, Viable Placemaking’s persistence ultimately delivered a positive outcome. The applicant, after years of uncertainty, finally obtained planning permission and can now move forward towards building their home.

This case highlights the importance of sound policy interpretation, evidence-based decision making, and the value of experienced planning professionals who are willing to challenge unlawful or unreasonable positions.

For more information on how Viable Placemaking may be able to support your scheme, please don't hesitate to get in touch.