On Wednesday, 2nd September, we reported that we attended a Planning Inspectorate Inquiry at Croydon Town Hall, where an Inspector considered an appeal against Croydon Council’s refusal of an application for the formation of a private way through woodland off Longwood Road/Hawkhirst Road in Kenley.
In the article we set out the concerns that we raised at the Inquiry and reported that we were awaiting the decision from the Planning Inspectorate.
We’re now very pleased to report that the Planning Inspector dismissed the appeal because the access needed to make the proposed forestry road usable is, in planning terms, a new access to the highway. Because an Article 4 Direction, in place since 2003, removed the relevant permitted development rights, planning permission is required.
In simple terms, the proposed road would require planning permission, and the application was seeking approval under permitted development rights that did not cover the works.
This is good news for Hawkhirst woods. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to oppose the planning application and appeal, particularly Hawkhirst Environment Protection Action and Hawkhirst Road Limited.
The appeal decision can be read in full at Decision for appeal 6008014 - Comment on a planning appeal - GOV.UK.
