What is happening now/next?

• Boningale Homes Application Stalled:  The Boningale Homes planning application for Albrighton South is still currently awaiting a decision by the Shropshire Council planning officer - Lynn Parker and her team; 11 Shropshire Councillors of the Shropshire South Planning Committee.
• Waiting for Local Plan Clarity: Both Boningale Homes and Shropshire Council are awaiting clarification on the emerging Local Plan situation.
• AVAG Optimistic: We believe the case against the development is strong; we hope the planning officer's report will recommend refusal - this will be confirmed by the Shropshire Planning Committee.
• Decision Timeline Uncertain: A decision is expected at Planning Committee sometime from March onwards.
• Local Plan and NPPF Influence: Shropshire Council is considering the NPPF changes (increased housing targets) and the challenged Local Plan, which is suggested to fall short of the 5-year housing supply.
• Potential for Appeal: If refused, Boningale Homes may appeal the decision.
• Boningale's Track Record: Boningale Homes has had three applications refused in South Staffordshire, suggesting their strategy of speculative Green Belt applications is not always successful.
• AVAG's Stance: AVAG acknowledges the need for housing but considers the Boningale development inappropriate due to its location, impact on infrastructure, and destruction of farmland.  Bearing in mind Albrighton's recent growth; we advocate for sustainable development.
• Alternative Locations Suggested: AVAG suggests brownfield sites and locations closer to infrastructure as more suitable options; why carve up farmland when derelict brownfield is available in the Black Country?
• Call to Action: AVAG urges continued advocacy to ensure the 'brownfield first' policy and Green Belt protection are upheld.
• Ongoing Campaign: We will continue our campaign with new fundraising events coming soon, please watch this space!

Keep an eye on these links for more details:

• Planning Application progress: https://pa.shropshire.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=SEB9ACTDI3500&activeTab=summary

 If Planning Application is granted: There is a 6 week period for those opposing the decision to apply for a Judicial Review challenge on the grounds that the decision was legally flawed.

If Planning Application is refused: Boningale Homes would have the option to appeal to the Planning Inspectorate. This is a full redetermination of the application by an independent planning inspector – based on the planning merits of the application itself. Given the size of this application it is most likely that this would be dealt with at a public inquiry. This process would take many months and be extremely difficult for Albrighton and everyone involved.

Objectors could chose to engage with a public inquiry in two ways: 

• Appeal Option 1 is to engage as members of the public, submitting additional representations, and registering to speak at a specific session of the inquiry which is expressly set aside for residents to address the inspector. This can be done with professional representation – and all earlier objections will be provided to the Inspector as a matter of course. 
• Appeal Option 2 is to become a formal party to the process (known as a Rule 6 Party) which gives the right to prepare evidence, call and cross examine witnesses, and generally be a full participant in the appeal. 

Useful Links

• https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/planning-appeals-dealt-with-by-an-inquiry-taking-part/guide-to-taking-part-in-planning-and-listed-building-consent-appeals-proceeding-by-an-inquiry
• https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/planning-appeals-dealt-with-by-written-representations-taking-part/guide-to-taking-part-in-planning-and-listed-building-consent-appeals-proceeding-by-written-representations-england
• https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/planning-appeals-dealt-with-by-a-hearing-taking-part/guide-to-taking-part-in-planning-and-listed-building-consent-appeals-proceeding-by-a-hearing

AVAG are closely monitoring progress of the planning application; and the implications, costs and timings of all options. We will keep you updated as events progress.