Grey Belt consent secures deliver of 80 new homes on former WWII aerodrome

Daniel Watney Partnership successfully secured outline planning permission at Inquiry for a transformative residential scheme of 80 new homes on grey belt land, with all matters reserved except access.

This landmark decision sets a powerful precedent for the sensitive release of grey belt sites to meet urgent housing needs.

The development will deliver 50% affordable housing – significantly exceeding local policy requirements – and directly addressing acute housing shortages in the area. The proposal also features:

• High-quality landscaping
• Accessible amenity spaces
• Well-integrated car parking

Together, these elements support a vision for sustainable neighbourhood living.

Achieving consent on a grey belt site required a robust planning strategy, compelling evidence at Inquiry, and effective engagement with both the local authority and the Planning Inspectorate. This success demonstrates how thoughtful design and strategic advocacy can unlock constrained land for policy-compliant, community-focused development.