Planning permission granted for self-build home in Upton St Leonards
SF Planning has successfully secured planning permission for a self-build home in Upton St Leonards, Gloucestershire. The approval was granted by Stroud District Council following a robust, evidence-led planning strategy.
The consent relates to a full planning application for a single self-build dwelling on a sustainable edge-of-settlement site, outside the settlement development limits as designated in the local, plan. The proposal was supported by a comprehensive package of technical reports including our planning statement addressing planning policy as well as consultant reports addressing landscape, ecology and highways matters.
A policy-compliant, landscape-led planning strategy
Our Planning Statement addressed the Council’s acknowledged housing land supply shortfall and lack of up to date development plan, which engaged the tilted balance set out in the NPPF.
Although the site lies just outside the defined settlement boundary, SF Planning demonstrated that it represents a logical infill plot within the in character existing village form, rather than isolated countryside development. This is despite being technically contrary to the adopted local plan.
The approved scheme delivers a bespoke self-build home designed to meet the applicants’ long-term housing needs. As a result, the development will enable the clients to remain within their local community while also releasing an existing family home back onto the open market.
Landscape and visual impacts robustly assessed
A Landscape and Visual Appraisal prepared by LVIA Ltd confirmed that the site is not subject to any national landscape designation and didn’t affect the setting of the adjacent Cotswolds National Landscape.
SF Planning demonstrated that the proposal would result in minor to negligible landscape effects, with no material visual harm. This conclusion was supported by a sensitive site layout and a strong mitigation strategy.
Key measures secured through the scheme include:
- Retention and reinforcement of existing boundary hedgerows
- Careful siting of the dwelling within the plot
- Use of materials that reflect local character
Together, these measures ensure the development integrates successfully into its surroundings.
Ecology and biodiversity enhancements delivered
A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal prepared by All Ecology confirmed that the site contains no designated ecological sites and supports habitats of low to moderate ecological value. Importantly, no protected species constraints were identified that would prevent development.
The approved proposals go beyond policy requirements by incorporating a range of biodiversity enhancements, including:
- New native planting
- Habitat creation
- Opportunities for bird and bat roosting
These measures will deliver a measurable net benefit for local biodiversity.
High-quality, sustainable self-build design
The approved scheme comprises a contemporary two-storey home, designed by RRA Architects with lifetime occupation in mind. The layout includes ground-floor bedrooms and achieves a high standard of environmental performance.
Sustainability features include:
- High insulation standards
- Air source heat pump technology
- Solar panels with battery storage
- Rainwater harvesting
- A landscape-led approach retaining over half of the field in its natural state
Vehicle access will be taken from an existing entrance, which will be upgraded to provide safe visibility, on-site parking and turning.
SF Planning’s role in securing consent
SF Planning led the project from early pre-application discussions through multiple design iterations to the successful grant of planning permission. We coordinated the full consultant team and prepared the overarching planning strategy and Planning Statement.
This decision demonstrates how robust evidence, policy-led reasoning and a landscape-sensitive approach can successfully unlock development opportunities on sustainable edge-of-settlement sites, on land outside settlement boundaries designated in local plans.
For more information about this project for a self-build home in upton St Leonards, please contact Paul Jenkins.
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