Lioncourt Strategic Land have achieved appeal success for 130 homes at Fernhill Heath

The team at Lioncourt Strategic Land are delighted to have achieved appeal success for 130 homes at Fernhill Heath Worcestershire. We entered an Option Agreement in December 2022 to promote c.45 acres of this  unallocated land. Due to the size of the site in relation to the settlement, we determined a two phase promotion approach to be appropriate, with phase one proposing development of 130 homes over 19.6 acres, proportionate to the size of Fernhill Heath, and phase two to follow, being the balance of the land. We submitted an outline planning application for up to 130 dwellings in August 2023. We achieved an officer recommendation to approve, however committee refused the application on grounds of landscape, heritage impact and loss of best and most versatile agricultural land. We appealed the refusal, working with the officers to narrow the council’s objections. Our work resulted in the council proceeding to the inquiry solely on the ground of landscape impact. The appeal inquiry was held in October 2024. The Planning Inspector allowed our appeal in November 2024, less than two years from the Option Agreement being entered into.