Inspector overturns 300-home Ribble Valley refusal

Hallam Land, Henry Boot’s land management business, has been granted permission to redevelop close to 50 acres off Longsight Road in Langho on appeal.

Ribble Valley Council’s planning committee voted in favour of an officer recommendation to refuse the 300-home scheme last summer, describing the development as “incongruous, unsympathetic, and discordant” within its rural context.

At appeal, the planning inspector agreed that the development would be “harmful” to the character and appearance of the area but concluded that the council’s housing land supply position – between 3.04 years to 3.45 years against a statutory target of five – tipped the balance in favour of Hallam Land.

The inspector concluded there was “no doubt” that the scheme, which proposes 90 affordable homes, “would be sustainable development” in the context of a “serious and significant shortfall in housing delivery”.

“The provision of 210 market homes, adjacent to an existing well-established settlement carries significant weight in favour of the appeal scheme,” the inspector’s report reads.

Hallam Land Management’s proposals can be viewed on the Ribble Valley planning portal, reference 3/2025/0196. The appeal decision notice can also be found there.

Plans were drawn up and submitted by planner NJL and Stantec.