OK, this is not in Ipswich, but it does mark an important step by the Government to implement the requirements of the NPPF (New Planning Policy Framework) which requires the design of new homes to be ‘aesthetically pleasing’. The scheme refused was on a green-field site in Kent, proposed by Berkeley Homes. Michael Gove’s grounds for refusal were that the proposed development was of ‘a generic suburban nature’ and did not reflect the aspirations of the local design code (Crane Valley in the Weald of Kent – an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). I understand that this is the first time a minister has turned down a development on aesthetic grounds since Gove promised to crack-down on ‘ugly identikit housing.’

The decision was not welcomed by the Home Builders Federation (HBF) who said that the decision would drastically reduce housing supply, disrupting the Governments attempts to build 300,000 homes each year.  In his decision letter Gove wrote that he did not believe Berkeley’s plans to be to a ‘high standard which has evolved through thoughtful regard to its context.’  ‘Overall, he does not find the scheme sensitively designed having regard for its setting. He finds the that the design does not reflect the expectations of the High Weald housing design guide.’  

Michael Gove had forewarned housing developers last year that he would veto developments that were not aesthetically pleasing arguing that better design was the key to persuading local communities to accept new developments. He said ‘too many new homes have been ugly, shoddily constructed, and poor quality, identikit creations plonked down without regard to the shape and character of existing communities’.

JN

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