Permission in Principle Approved for an Infill Plot in Basildon
Permission in Principle from Basildon Borough Council for up to two dwellings on an infill plot near Little Burstead, within the Metropolitan Green Belt.
PERMISSION IN PRINCIPLEBASILDONESSEXPLANNING APPROVALS
Andrew Ransome
8/5/20262 min read
In 2026, I secured Permission in Principle from Basildon Borough Council for up to two dwellings on a vacant plot between existing properties in Little Burstead. This plot is in a Green Belt plotland location.
The case succeeded by demonstrating that the proposal constituted appropriate limited infilling in a village under Paragraph 154(e) of the NPPF 2024.
The Permission in Principle Case
The site is a broadly rectangular plot along a private road characterised by low-density sporadic development.
The appeal site is positioned between two existing chalet dwellings, with further bungalows and chalets to the west.
The main planning question was whether the proposed development would constitute inappropriate development in the Metropolitan Green Belt.
The site did not qualify as previously developed land, and no grey belt argument was advanced.
The case rested instead on Paragraph 154(e) of the NPPF — the limited infilling in villages exception — which allows new buildings in Green Belt villages provided the infilling is limited in scale.
I demonstrated that the site is within Little Burstead village, that the gap between two existing dwellings is a classic infill situation, and that two dwellings would respect the established character of the plotland enclave.
No objections were raised. Basildon Borough Council subsequently granted Permission in Principle.
Planning Application Advice
If you have a Green Belt plotland site between existing dwellings and want to understand whether the limited infilling exception could apply, I can assess the position and advise on the right application strategy. Contact me to discuss your site.
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.
Permission in Principle Successes
Planning Application Information
Get in touch for planning advice: Email: andrew@andrewransome.co.uk
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