Landowners and developers are being urged to act now thanks to one of the most favourable planning environments in recent years.
Stratford district council’s housing land supply stands at only 2.74 years, well below the five-year requirement set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
This shortfall, confirmed by the planning inspector at appeal, effectively triggers the “presumption in favour of sustainable development”, often referred to as the tilted balance.
For landowners and developers, this creates one of the most favourable planning environments in recent years, especially for sites previously viewed as marginal, constrained, or outside existing settlement boundaries.
The five-year housing land supply test ensures local authorities deliver enough homes to meet demand.
When a council cannot demonstrate a deliverable supply, paragraph 11(d) of the NPPF applies, directing that permission should be granted unless adverse impacts “significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits”.
When the tilted balance applies, restrictive planning policies are treated as “out of date”. While protected areas such as the Green Belt, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and heritage assets remain safeguarded, the balance now tips strongly in favour of new housing.
This creates opportunities for land next to existing settlements to come forward for development; previously refused or stalled sites to be reconsidered; and new promotion or option agreements with developers seeking deliverable housing land.
For landlowners looking for options, time is of the essence as these conditions often last only a few months.
Acting now increases the likelihood of planning success where proposals demonstrate sustainability and community benefit.
There is also a potential uplift in land value following planning approval, increased developer interest as promoters look for deliverable sites and opportunities for early promotion through local or neighbourhood plans.
Whether your land is greenfield, redundant agricultural, or edge-of-village, the current climate justifies a professional planning review.
At Sheldon Bosley Knight, we work with landowners to maximise land value through expert planning and development advice. Our multi-disciplinary team of planning consultants, architects, land agents and development specialists offers local knowledge and national expertise.
We can help you with planning appraisals to assess your site’s potential, partnership or promotion strategies with trusted developers, negotiation of option or promotion agreements, preparation and submission of robust planning applications and representation at local plan reviews or appeals.
With Stratford’s housing supply now well below target, there has rarely been a better time to explore your land’s potential.
To discuss how this appeal decision could help you unlock the value of your land, email us at planning@sheldonbosleyknight.co.uk or call us on 01789 387880.
Together, we can assess your site’s potential, plan strategically and take advantage of this rare opportunity in Stratford district’s evolving planning landscape.