Planning Appeals Refusal Marks Victory in Fight to Save Hog’s Back

Published on: 25 Jan, 2021
Updated on: 28 Jan, 2021

The post and rail gate and fence that will now have to be dismantled

By Martin Giles

Wanborough residents are celebrating victory in their battle against development of the northern slope of the Hog’s Back after the Planning Inspectorate refused two planning appeals. The original applications had been rejected by the borough council in 2020.

Both appellants claimed their plans were for developments to allow agricultural use, but the Inspectors placed a much higher value on the open landscape of the Green Belt, the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the Area of Great Landscape Value (AGLV).

In the first case, an appeal by Mrs Elham Javaherizadeh, a post and rail fence corral on the open dip slope of the Hog’s Back will now have to be removed by the landowner.

The inspector, B Davies, said: “Although I do not find the proposal will be inappropriate development in the green belt, it will harm the scenic beauty of the AONB and AGLV, a matter to which I afford substantial weight.”

The second appeal, from Cupid Green Ltd to build a barn, a polytunnel, drip lines and hard standing in the northern AGLV field to create a tree nursery, was refused by inspector Rory MacLeod.

He said this would “detract from the designated landscape character of the area in relation to the scale of the buildings and the extent of the site’s coverage by hard surfaces”. An application for costs against the council was also refused.

Stephen Callender, vice-chair of Wanborough Parish Council, said: “These two decisions create huge precedents for anyone thinking they can develop even agricultural buildings on our green belt.

“The wide-open fields around Wanborough are too precious, and in conjunction with our residents, we will fight tooth and nail to protect them and retain their beauty and character.”

Cllr Tony Rooth

Ward councillor Tony Rooth (R4GV, Pilgrims), added: “It is good news that planning inspectors will protect wide-open slopes which create uninterrupted views across an AONB.

“Planning permission is required for fencing across Wanborough Fields stretching down from the Hog’s Back.

“The council has notified estate agents and land auctioneers of these legal requirements to deter any development which would harm the scenic beauty and character of these green belt fields.”