Successful Objection to 100-Home Outline Housing Scheme in the Green Belt
Overview
In 2024, we were instructed by local residents to object to a major outline planning application (Ref. 24/00467/OUTM) for up to 100 homes, a retail unit, and associated works on land at Boscobel Lane, Bishops Wood, South Staffordshire.
The site lay within the West Midlands Green Belt and outside any settlement boundary. We prepared a comprehensive objection that set out why the proposal was unacceptable in principle, contrary to both local and national policy. The Council agreed, and the application was refused.
This case shows the value of professional planning objections in defending the countryside, Green Belt, and community character against speculative large-scale development. If you need help with objecting to a major planning application, do not hesitate to get in touch for a free initial consultation.
The Challenge
The scheme proposed:
Up to 100 new residential dwellings.
A local shop.
Drainage, access, and extensive hardstanding.
Key planning concerns included:
Green Belt harm: The site was open countryside, highly visible, and not identified for release in the Local Plan.
Unsustainable location: Bishops Wood is a small service village with limited facilities, no pavements or street lighting on surrounding lanes, and poor public transport links. The proposal would force reliance on private cars.
Urbanisation of a rural area: The development would transform an agricultural field into a dense housing estate, eroding the openness and character of the Green Belt.
Amenity impacts: Proximity to existing homes raised concerns about overlooking, overshadowing, and loss of privacy.
Given the scale of development and the policy protections in place, this was a case where residents needed expert help to frame their concerns in planning terms.
Our Approach
We submitted a detailed objection which:
Set out the principle of development conflict with Core Strategy Policy 1, which directs growth to larger service villages and not to small, unsustainable locations.
Demonstrated that the proposal was inappropriate development in the Green Belt, contrary to the NPPF (Paragraphs 152–154) and Policy GB1.
Explained that no very special circumstances had been put forward to justify Green Belt harm.
Highlighted the visual impact and loss of openness, with urbanising density inconsistent with the area’s rural setting.
Referenced NPPF Paragraph 135 and Policy EQ11 on design, showing how the scheme would damage the countryside’s character.
Pointed to amenity impacts on neighbours, particularly overlooking and overbearing effects on homes in Tong Road.
By focusing on clear policy conflicts, we provided the Council with strong, defensible refusal reasons.
The Outcome
South Staffordshire Council refused the application , agreeing that:
The development was inappropriate in the Green Belt, causing significant harm to openness and encroachment into the countryside.
The location was unsustainable, with limited local facilities and poor access to public transport.
The scheme would erode rural character and visual amenity.
The quantum of development would likely harm the amenity of neighbouring residents.
The Officer’s report gave substantial weight to Green Belt harm, citing the lack of very special circumstances, and concluded that refusal was the only appropriate outcome.
Why This Matters
Developers often test the boundaries of Green Belt policy with speculative applications. This case proves that robust local objections, framed in planning language, can stop inappropriate housing schemes even when they promise “benefits” such as new shops or “meeting housing need.”
Local residents’ concerns alone are rarely enough. Councils must base decisions on planning policy. That’s why working with Objection Experts makes all the difference.
Conclusion
Our objection helped secure the refusal of a 100-home Green Belt development at Boscobel Lane, protecting open countryside, village character, and local residents’ amenity.
If you are facing a large housing scheme near your community—especially one in the Green Belt—don’t leave your objection to chance. With professional expertise, you can ensure your case is properly heard and given weight in the planning process.
Contact us today to discuss how we can help you object to housing proposals in the Green Belt or beyond.
