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Appeal Success Unlocks Further Development at Fen Drayton

We are delighted to have secured, on appeal, Permission in Principle for up to 2no. custom/self-build dwellings at land south of Sandfield Bungalow, Mill Road, Fen Drayton — successfully overturning the Local Planning Authority’s refusal:

Planning Application 25/00562/PIP

The original refusal centred on countryside location, impact on character and appearance, and sustainability concerns, but our appeal demonstrated:

  • The site would retain a clear and defensible separation between settlements
  • Development would be visually contained by existing vegetation and surrounding form, limiting its impact on the character of the area
  • The proposal reflects the existing pattern of development in the locality
  • Whilst there is some reliance on the private car, the site still offers a reasonable degree of accessibility to services and facilities
  • The delivery of self-build plots carries substantial weight, given the Council’s significant shortfall

The Planning Inspector agreed: although there is some conflict with policies relating to location and sustainable travel, this harm is limited, and is clearly outweighed by the significant benefits of delivering custom and self-build housing.

Permission in Principle was therefore granted, and the site is now subject to a live application for full design and technical detail consent.

This forms part of a wider success at the site:

Following an earlier success of obtaining planning permission for a highly sustainable dwelling as a replacement for eligible buildings through the Fen Drayton Former Land Settlement Association Estate Policy, we progressed the scheme through Building Regulations approval, with the dwelling now constructed and brought to market (see link: 4 bedroom detached house for sale in Mill Road, Fen Drayton, CB24)

Full application details can be viewed via the following web links:

Erection of 1 No. detached dwelling (following demolition of eligible building numbers 111, 112, 113 and 150)
Ref. No: 23/04696/FUL | Validated: Wed 06 Dec 2023 | Status: Granted Permission

Erection of 2no. custom/self-build dwellings
Ref. No: 25/00562/PIP | Validated: Mon 24 Feb 2025 | Status: APPEAL UPHELD

Technical details consent application for erection of 2no. detached dwellings pursuant to permission in principle 25/00562/PIP
Ref. No: 26/00969/TDC | Validated: Tue 17 Mar 2026 | Status: Awaiting decision

Another example of how strategic planning, design, and delivery can unlock development potential on constrained sites.

Expert planning. Full design. Full building regs.

All in-house by Partners in Planning and Architecture… why go anywhere else?