The Daily Decision Digest: 13 August 2026

Across Thursday 13 August, 40 appeals were decided, with just two new residential units permissioned: one independent dwelling in South Kesteven and one Class Q dwelling in Tewkesbury — our pick today covers BESS fire safety evidence, traveller accommodation in Flood Zone 3a, construction logistics for a major urban scheme, rural diversification in the Green Belt, Class Q conversion, family housing policy and infill housing evidence.

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East Devon: BESS scheme dismissed on fire safety evidence
A battery energy storage proposal near Axminster was dismissed despite the Council withdrawing its refusal reason and accepting that permission should be granted. The Inspector gave substantial weight to the need for low carbon energy storage, but found insufficient evidence to demonstrate compliance with the latest NFCC guidance. (3369854)

Somerset: Traveller pitches refused in Flood Zone 3a
A retrospective proposal for two permanent Gypsy and Traveller pitches at Puriton was dismissed. The Inspector accepted a need for authorised pitches and gave significant weight to personal circumstances and children’s best interests, but found the caravans would be highly vulnerable development in Flood Zone 3a and that safe access and egress had not been demonstrated. (6009369)

Hammersmith and Fulham: Details approved for major commercial scheme
Two appeals were allowed for discharge of construction management and logistics conditions attached to an 11-storey self storage, affordable workspace and community space development. The Inspector found the submitted CMP and CLP were site specific, followed relevant guidance and provided a sufficient framework to manage construction traffic and highway safety. (6009830, 6009825)

New Forest: Storage use allowed on Green Belt farm
A retrospective change of use for open storage, 30 shipping containers and vehicle storage at Forest Farm was allowed. The Inspector found the site was previously developed land because large areas of hardstanding had become lawful through passage of time, and that the use was not inappropriate development in the Green Belt. (6009575)

Tewkesbury: Class Q conversion allowed without prior approval
A Class Q appeal for the residential conversion of an agricultural barn was allowed, with the Inspector finding the works amounted to conversion rather than rebuilding. Internal reinforcement, new floor works and retained external cladding were treated as compatible with Class Q, and the Council had not shown that prior approval should be required on the relevant matters. (6010928)

South Kesteven: Annexe barn allowed as a separate dwelling
Permission was granted for an annexe barn in Oasby to become an independent dwelling. The Inspector found limited privacy harm from close window relationships, but the Council could not demonstrate a five year housing land supply and the tilted balance applied. The additional dwelling, effective use of a brownfield building and location within a smaller village were sufficient to outweigh the limited amenity conflict. (6006307)

Leicester: Children’s care home refused where local need was not shown
A change of use from a four bedroom C3 dwelling to a children’s care home was dismissed following adoption of the Leicester Local Plan. The Inspector accepted national policy support for accommodation for looked after children, but found the Council’s evidence showed no demonstrable local need for additional bed spaces, while the loss of a family sized dwelling conflicted with the plan’s housing mix objectives. (6010659)

Milton Keynes: Infill housing dismissed despite Permission in Principle
An outline appeal for three rear garden dwellings at Bletchley was dismissed, notwithstanding an earlier PiP for up to three homes. The Inspector found access in principle acceptable and drainage could be conditioned, but there was insufficient evidence on parking and access arrangements for the retained house and nursery use, and insufficient certainty that 10% BNG could be achieved or secured. (6007342)

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