17 Dwellings in Whitstable - Planning Appeal Success Against Canterbury

In 2018, I won a planning appeal against Canterbury City Council for 17 new dwellings in Whitstable, Kent.

The scheme involved the comprehensive redevelopment of a challenging town centre brownfield site, delivering a mix of townhouses, mews properties and flats in a sustainable coastal location.

The objective was to transform an underutilised site into a high-quality residential scheme that would contribute to local housing supply while responding sensitively to its surroundings.

Brownfield regeneration of this nature plays a key role in delivering new homes within established settlements.

The Planning Issue

The application had been refused by Canterbury City Council, with key concerns focused on the impact on a nearby conservation area, the site’s location within Flood Zone 3, and the absence of affordable housing provision.

At appeal, I prepared and presented a robust case at a formal hearing.

I demonstrated that the design responded positively to the local context and would enhance the character of the area.

In relation to flood risk, I showed that the scheme met the Sequential and Exception Tests and would provide a safe environment for future occupants.

I also addressed viability, evidencing that affordable housing provision was not feasible in this instance—an issue that was tested and accepted through the hearing process.

Appeal Outcome

The Planning Inspector held a hearing to consider the appeal arguments. In making his decision, he agreed with my position and allowed the appeal, recognising the significant benefits of regenerating a brownfield site to deliver 17 new homes in a sustainable location in Whitstable.

This case highlights how a planning consultant can successfully navigate complex, multi-layered planning issues—particularly where heritage, flood risk and viability intersect.

Planning Appeal Advice

If you have a development project and you have received a planning refusal, contact me for practical advice on whether an appeal is the right option and how to proceed.

Andrew Ransome MRTPI Email: andrew@adpltd.co.uk | Tel: 01206 242070

About me

Andrew Ransome is the planning director at ADP and is a chartered member of the RTPI, with over 22 years of town planning experience.

Andrew has extensive experience offering strategic planning solutions to challenging projects in both rural and urban settings. Follow him on Linkedin.