Planning permission has been won on appeal for development on former garden land in Highlands Road Fareham.  The permitted scheme provided for one detached house and a pair of semi-detached houses. 

A very similar scheme had previously been refused for reasons of potential noise disturbance to the new residents.  Having resolved this issue of potential noise disturbance by a revised design, insulation and mechanical ventilation and the proposal was refused permission as a result of the changing policy emphasis to resisting building on former rear gardens.  A new reason relating to the impact of the development on the character and appearance of the area was also introduced.

At appeal the Inspector acknowledged that garden land no longer falls within the definition of previously development land and as such there is no priority for its development.  However she recognised the sustainable location of the site was in the site’s favour and that the site was compatible with PPS3 and policies of the Local Plan.  The Inspector also concluded that the development would not harm the character and appearance of the area.