ENGLAND / PLANNING & DEVELOPMENTMAJOR APPEALS · UPDATED 25 SEPTEMBER 2026
STRATEGICLANDFOCUS
DECISIONS / ENGLAND

Major
Appeals.

What recent decisions mean for the next generation of homes. Each synopsis is written from the decision record and links to the full document.

RECENT DECISIONS

On the record.

Newest decision first · Both outcomes included
01
24 September 2026
BUNTINGFORD, HERTFORDSHIREALLOWEDUp to 600 homes + 60 older-person units

Buntingford: 600 homes and a first school allowed

The inspector allowed an outline scheme north of the A507 and west of the A10, including affordable housing, a local centre, a first school and new crossings. The decision tested whether the site was sufficiently connected to Buntingford and whether the access, transport and infrastructure package made growth acceptable.

Why it matters

Housing undersupply and the new national policy framework featured in the balance; the inspector treated the proposed bridges and transport links as material to the site’s relationship with the town.

APPEAL 6008238 Read the decision document ↗
02
14 August 2026
HAYLING ISLAND, HAMPSHIREALLOWEDUp to 300 homes

Hayling Island: housing benefits prevail at St Mary’s Road

Outline permission was granted after a non-determination appeal. Havant Borough Council did not defend the case at inquiry, while a residents’ association put forward concerns on flooding, transport and ecology. The scheme includes affordable housing, open space, drainage and access from St Mary’s Road.

Why it matters

The inspector weighed those site-specific impacts against substantial housing need and the council’s limited five-year housing land supply.

APPEAL 6004299 Read the decision document ↗
03
29 June 2026
CHALFONT ST PETER, BUCKINGHAMSHIREALLOWEDUp to 975 homes + 75 care beds

Epilepsy Society land: permission for a new mixed community

The Secretary of State allowed the recovered appeal for up to 975 homes alongside a primary school, care accommodation, local retail and employment uses, despite identified landscape and Green Belt harm. The decision followed an inspector’s recommendation to approve.

Why it matters

The decision sets out the weight given to housing and associated public benefits when considering Green Belt harm and a site that could be made sustainable. It remains a decision on this scheme’s particular evidence.

APPEAL APP/X0415/W/25/3362050 Read the decision document ↗
04
9 June 2026
OAKHAM, RUTLANDALLOWEDUp to 110 homes

Oakham: smaller revised scheme wins outline consent

An inspector allowed 110 homes west of Main Road after an earlier proposal for up to 150 homes had been dismissed. Access is approved in outline, with other detailed matters reserved. The inspector recognised development-plan conflict and local harms, then concluded the adverse effects did not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits.

Why it matters

The changed scale and design response mattered, as did the decision’s wider planning balance. A previous refusal did not settle the merits of a revised proposal.

APPEAL APP/A2470/W/25/3375747 Read the decision document ↗
05
15 April 2026
ORSETT, ESSEXDISMISSEDUp to 750 homes

Kings Farm: housing shortfall does not overcome site harm

The Secretary of State dismissed a recovered appeal for a mixed-use scheme of up to 750 homes at Kings Farm. The decision acknowledged severe housing undersupply and gave substantial weight to market and affordable homes, but concluded that the proposal’s Green Belt and other harms justified refusal.

Why it matters

A weak land supply can carry major weight without making every location acceptable. This decision is a useful counterpoint for promoters testing transport and Green Belt evidence.

APPEAL APP/M1595/W/25/3358576 Read the decision document ↗
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