Winnersh appeal decision

Define was instructed by Taylor Wimpey in late 2023 to audit the urban design credentials of their refused application on the eastern edge of Winnersh, Wokingham. This audit was in the context of the claimed harm (featuring in the reasons for refusal) relating to the impact of the proposed development on local townscape character and connectivity.

Our audit concluded the approach taken in the refused outline application was sound and questioned the judgements made by the LPA regarding local townscape character, density and connectivity.

Robust evidence was duly prepared, including a historic analysis of how the settlement has evolved and how this related to townscape character, whilst highlighting the negative impact of (historic) accretive development within the settlement not facilitating a well connected settlement structure, which the appeal scheme made steps to correct.

The public inquiry took place in late January and early February, led by Peter Goatley KC with a professional team including including Stantec (planning), RPS (housing supply), CSA (landscape), iTransport (highways/connectivity) and Tetlow King (affordable housing).

The appeal was permitted on 6 March 2024 (see decision here).

The Inspector agreed with our evidence regarding the existing townscape character and the scheme impacts, as well as how the outline application should be interpreted at detailed design stages.