17 Dwellings in Whitstable - Planning Appeal Success Against Canterbury
Planning appeal success against Canterbury for 17 new homes in Whitstable, Kent. I overturned refusal by addressing conservation, flood risk and viability issues.
PLANNING APPEAL SUCCESSCANTERBURYKENT
Andrew Ransome
5/7/20262 min read
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@andrewransome.co.uk
About me
Andrew Ransome is a Planning Director and a Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), with more than two decades of experience in town planning.
He specialises in delivering strategic planning solutions for complex developments across both rural and urban environments, helping clients navigate planning challenges and unlock development opportunities. Connect with Andrew on Linkedin.
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