First Post Housing White Paper Planning Appeal Granted By Secretary of State

February, 2017 - Birmingham, England

National law firm Shoosmiths has advised IM Land on securing a successful planning appeal for a major residential and mixed-use scheme, the first to be approved since the publishing of the government's housing white paper.

Plans to build 750 new homes at Curborough, near Lichfield, have been approved by Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Sajid Javid.

The first planning appeal to be approved since the government released its updated planning guidelines earlier this month, the plans utilise agricultural land that lies outside the Green Belt in line with the terms of the white paper.
The community plans include a primary school, care village, retail units, a community centre and public open spaces with around 30% of the new development earmarked for affordable housing.

Shoosmiths’ team was led by planning partner Tim Willis and senior associate Anna Cartledge with trainee solicitor Emma Cartledge assisting. The team advised on the complex legal aspects of the appeal including progressing the planning appeal while dealing with the inter-related issues of challenging the local plan process and the implications of HS2 on the site.

Jonathan Dyke, IM Land's strategic land director commented: ‘We are extremely pleased with this appeal decision. We have worked closely with the local communities and government to address any concerns and ensure that the new development will benefit and enhance the local area and provide much needed housing.

‘The team at Shoosmiths have been integral in securing the success of this appeal. Their responsiveness and proactive attitude combined with expert legal advice and hard work in dealing with the complex legal matters has greatly contributed to the timely success of this appeal.’

Tim Willis, added: ‘We are thrilled at this decision on behalf of our client. Years of negotiations has led to the go ahead of this community development and the numerous benefits it will bring to the region. We look forward to continuing to support IM Land on this and similar developments in future.’

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