Steve Norris, Former Minister for Transport & Chairman of Soho Estates (S10 E3)

Have We Got Planning News For You

Our Special Guest this week is Steve Norris, former Minister for Transport, Director of Steve Norris Ltd & Chairman of Soho Estates.

Decisions of the Week

• Decision of the High Court dated 19 May 2023 in R (0ao Coal Action Network) v Welsh Ministers & the Coal Authority [2023] EWHC 1194 (admin) dismissing a JR claim relating to two decisions to authorise coal mining operations at Aberpergwm in the Vale of Neath.

• Decision of the Court of Appeal dated 25 May 2023 in Devine v SSLU,H&C & Cheshire West & Chester Council [2023] EWCA Civ 601, in which they dismissed an appeal against the decision of Fordham J in the High Court, who had dismissed a section 289 appeal against the decision of an inspector appointed to conduct an appeal under section 174 (2)(d) of the 1990 TCPA against an enforcement notice alleging the erection of a new building without planning permission having concluded the building in question was not “substantially complete” and so did not enjoy immunity from enforcement.
• Decision of an inspector dated 24th May relating to land off Coate Road, Devizes outside the limits of the settlement boundary, allowing an appeal by Robert Hitchin against the decision of Wiltshire Council to refuse an outline application for up to 200 dwellings & a local centre in the context of a Core Strategy more than 5 years old and no 5 yr HLS.
• Decision of an inspector dated 25th May relating to land in the Green Belt dismissing an appeal by Griggs (Options) Ltd against the decision of Hertsmere Borough Council to refuse an outline application for 37 dwellings of which 40% would be affordable, despite there being a very substantial and acute housing supply shortfall. Significant harm to openness of Green Belt, moderate harm to character & appearance. VSC not found.