We decided to pursue and appeal after the emerging Local Plan that allocated the site was withdrawn by members. We entered into a Planning Performance Agreement and worked very closely with the Council to develop a well designed scheme. All technical issues were resolved during the course of the subsequent application, leaving the principle of development within the Green Belt as the outstanding issue. Prior to the local plan being withdrawn, the Council were intending to grant planning permission at the earliest opportunity. We considered that we had built a very strong case and along with the Council’s substantial housing supply shortfall, took the decision to appeal via the Public Inquiry route. The Inspector granted planning permission in December 2022. In doing so, accepted our case in every aspect, concluding that Very Special Circumstances outweighed the harm to Green Belt, stating that there was no justified basis to resist the Appeal proposal.

Our technical team developed a site-specific drainage solution by harnessing the natural topography to accelerate water runoff away from residential areas. The development layout was strategically designed to create a direct flow path, ensuring efficient drainage and minimizing flood risk. A dedicated drainage pond was also incorporated to provide additional resilience and protection.

Although the initial planning application was refused by the Council, several of the initial objections were later withdrawn following additional engagement with the local authority. Planning permission was subsequently granted in February 2022.

The Southern Parcel land at Lower Broadbridge Farm was identified and allocated for residential use in the emerging Local Plan in 2019/20. However, there were various pauses in the Local Plan-making process connected to general uncertainties concerning National Planning Policy at the time, and implications arising from a Position Statement issued by Natural England regarding water neutrality. Horsham Council did not support the planning application after it was submitted in June 2022 and went on to be refused locally in February 2023.  
The refusal was on five grounds; insufficient information concerning water neutrality; insufficient information concerning amenity of future occupants of the development by noise disturbance from nearby roads; impact on rural setting of listed buildings in the vicinity of the area; including the host farmhouse Lower Broadbridge Farm; impact on landscape character including urbanising influence, and, the failure to enter into a S106 to secure appropriate provision of affordable housing.  
Our Appeal was lodged in June 2023, with evidence presented by our project team which successfully rebutted the arguments concerning heritage, landscape and noise, in addition to the S106 agreement securing the affordable housing. In relation to water neutrality, written legal submissions were prepared by Counsel which rebutted the need to demonstrate water neutrality at this stage, allowing the issue to be dealt with by means of a Grampian Condition.  

During the process, we undertook an early traffic count on the highway network which helped in the rapid submission. Our in-house R&A team were able to evidence the specific need for new homes in Chipping Norton, this helped establish a local housing need which was supported by the local planning authority in their determination of the planning application. Gleeson Land differed to competitors with detailed due diligence, understanding the site’s potential and unlocking its value. 
Once Heads of Terms were agreed, there was a window of opportunity for Gleeson Land to exploit a five-year housing land supply shortfall, this meant that we needed to submit a planning application in the shortest possible time. Through proactive and rigorous project management by our in-house teams, we secured full planning consent in under two years. The outcome is a high-quality scheme that delivers real community benefits for the local area.

Gleeson Land secured planning permission for 800 homes on a strategically important site in Malvern, overcoming multiple land ownerships and site complexities. Working in partnership with Welbeck Land, Gleeson Land entered into a series of land agreements that enabled a unified planning approach and a compelling vision for future growth.
Following extensive promotion through the South Worcestershire Development Plan, the site was draft allocated for 800 homes, alongside employment space, infrastructure, and community facilities. Anticipating formal allocation, Gleeson Land proactively submitted a planning application to support the site’s inclusion in the emerging Local Plan.
During the planning process, several challenges emerged—most notably around scheme viability. After prolonged negotiations, agreement was reached with the local authority in February 2024, securing 20% affordable housing and successfully removing the proposed review mechanism. This outcome was a key achievement, as such mechanisms often deter interest from potential purchasers.

An outline planning application was submitted for up to 75 homes and associated infrastructure. At the time, land immediately north of the site was allocated within the Local Plan, leaving this site outside the newly defined settlement boundary. Through the application process, Gleeson Land demonstrated that the proposal was both appropriate and sensitive to the rural fringe character of the area, making a strong case for its suitability for residential development.

Planning permission was granted at appeal in May 2022. Following this success, the site attracted interest from several national housebuilders.