Developer's appeal over plan to build 135 homes

COUNCILLORS HAD NOT MADE A DECISION WITHIN 13-WEEK DEADLINE

- By EDDIE BISKNELL Local democracy reporter

A DEVELOPER behind plans for more than 100 homes in an affluent Derbyshire town has taken a council straight to appeal because they say the authority was taking too long to make a decision.

Land agent Richborough Estates has filed an appeal against South Derbyshire District Council on grounds of “non-determination” after its councillors had not made a decision on plans for 135 houses in Kings Newton Lane, Melbourne, within 13 weeks.

Council officers were notified of this intent on July 1, four days before the 13-week timescale was to expire, saying it would file an appeal on July 19, a report says.

For most planning applications, councils aim to make a decision within eight weeks of the proposal being deemed valid. If the application is for a major development or is unusually complex, the timeframe can be extended to 13 weeks, and in other technical cases can be extended still further.