Conversion of Existing Outbuilding into Holiday Lodges Planning Appeal South Downs National Park

South Downs National Park Tourism Planning Appeal

HEAL Planning successfully secured planning permission at appeal for improvements to an established seasonal tourism site within the South Downs National Park.

The proposal involved converting an existing facilities building into a one-bedroom holiday let and replacing three previously approved yurts with two permanent holiday lodges. The development was designed to provide higher-quality and more accessible visitor accommodation while supporting the sustainable growth of the existing rural tourism business.

Despite the council’s planning officer supporting the application, the South Downs National Park Authority’s Planning Committee refused permission due to concerns over landscape impact and the potential loss of visitor accommodation.

Our appeal demonstrated that the modest buildings would be well screened by existing development, mature trees, hedgerows and the surrounding landscape. We also established that there would be no loss of the existing tourism use – the proposal would simply improve how the visitor accommodation was provided.

The Planning Inspector agreed, concluding that the overall landscape effect would be neutral and that the development would be compatible with the purposes of the South Downs National Park. The Inspector also confirmed that there was no requirement to demonstrate financial unviability or undertake a marketing exercise because the site would remain in tourism use.

The appeal was allowed on 18 December, approximately eight months after the original refusal, and planning permission was granted subject to conditions ensuring the accommodation remained in seasonal holiday use.

This case demonstrates how a carefully prepared planning appeal can successfully challenge concerns relating to landscape character and tourism policy, even within the sensitive setting of a National Park.

If your tourism or rural development has been refused planning permission, HEAL Planning offers a fully managed planning appeal service to help identify the best route forward.

Complete our quick enquiry form at www.planningappealsuk.com to arrange a Free No Obligation Telephone Consultation and discuss your potential options and routes forward.

Conversion of Existing Outbuilding into Holiday Lodges Planning Appeal South Downs National Park

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