The site extended to approximately 1.8ha and had been largely disused since mining activities ceased in 1988. A playing field had been provided in one corner of the site since the site closed and the appellant proposed to relocate this pitch to enable open market, affordable and retirement homes to be built. The council opposed the plans on the basis that its UDP sought to retain existing uses and since a review of the plan had yet to take place it would be premature to grant permission. Any shortfall in land supply should not override the need to consider alternative uses through the development plan process.
An inspector decided that the appeal lay within a sustainable location and at the time the UDP had been adopted it was concluded that the cost of redeveloping the site would be prohibitively expensive given the quantity and availability of alternative sites. Consequently, it was effectively being kept as a reserve site for alternative uses. Since it was unlikely that the site specific policies applying to the site would not be formally reviewed until 2014, some 13 years after the end of the UDP, their utility and value were diminished. There was a need for additional housing given the fact that future levels were identified as being the minimum permissible.
Inspector Andrew Pykett; Inquiry
DCS Number 100-075-844
