Self-Build Success at Old Newton

James Bailey Planning Ltd. has worked closely with a local landowner to overcome previous planning concerns and secure Outline planning consent for 5x self-build dwelling plots and a community car park, in the village of Old Newton, Suffolk.

A similar application had been refused in 2018 on the basis of impacts on the local Grade 1 listed St. Mary’s Church. A subsequent appeal was dismissed later in 2018 for the same reasons.  In 2019, a further Outline application was again refused on the grounds of heritage impacts; highways issues; and impacts on the character of the surrounding area.

This new application sought to address the heritage issues through revising the layout of the scheme by re-orientating the buildings; securing storey heights; and defining plot boundaries. At the same time, further consideration transformed the original idea of a car park especially for the adjoining primary school, to a more useful ‘community car park’. Revising the access to the site and orientation of the car park also allowed for improved pedestrian connectivity, which overcame the highway's concerns. At the same time, these changes allowed for an improved wildlife area to be introduced to the scheme.  

Positive engagement, feedback and support were achieved from both Statutory Consultees and the Parish Council. 

The application secured delegated approval in February 2022.