Toads Hole Valley special Planning Committee on 25 May

With the transport impact information now available, a special Planning Committee will be held on 25 May 2022 to decide the duplicate planning application for Toads Hole Valley.

The privately owned 42-hectare site is the city’s largest greenfield development site.

The proposed development, just south of the A27 near King George VI Avenue, includes plans for new homes; a school, community/sports facilities; offices and light industry; retail space; a community centre and doctors’ surgery; and enhanced local wildlife sites.

Original application

The original planning application was made in 2018 but we were unable to give a decision on the application. This was due to both National Highways and the council, as the Local Highway Authority, not having sufficient information to assess the impact on the A27 and other local roads.

At a special Planning Committee meeting on 21 March 2022, councillors voted to indicate that they would have refused planning permission for the development in the absence of the transport assessments. 

Appeal

Because of the delay, the developer appealed to the Planning Inspectorate against the fact that no decision had been made. This public inquiry will take place between Thursday 9 and Friday 17 June 2022.

Duplicate planning application 2021

Since the appeal was first lodged, the outstanding transport information has been submitted and it has been assessed to be acceptable. Both the Local Highway Authority and National Highways have removed their objections to the scheme.

The developer has also submitted a duplicate planning application, identical to the original submitted in 2018. This will be heard at the 25 May meeting, when the committee will consider whether they want to change their view in light of the transport information now being available.

‘Twin Track’ approach

The duplicate application (to be determined at local level) will run alongside the appeal (to be determined by the national Planning Inspectorate).

If our Planning Committee approves the duplicate scheme, the appeal against the original application may be withdrawn. 

If the Planning Committee refuses the application, that will be used as part of our evidence for the appeal at the public inquiry in June.

The traffic model audit and road safety audit documents are available to view on our planning register by searching for ref BH2022/00203.

The special Planning Committee meeting will be broadcast live through our website from 2pm on 25 May 2022.