Plans to build up to nine self-build homes on green belt land outside Sawston have been blocked, following a planning inspector’s decision to uphold South Cambridgeshire District Council’s earlier refusal.
The application, brought forward by Waterbeach Instruments Ltd, sought permission to develop farmland on the edge of the village. The proposed scheme included not only homes but also 15 community allotments, a new right of way, and a potential community orchard. Despite these additions, the inspector found the development would constitute an “inappropriate” intrusion into the countryside.
“I acknowledge that there are large areas of housing development to the north and west of the site,” the inspector stated. “However, the appeal site is currently agricultural land free from any built form.” The judgment noted that associated features like parking areas, gardens and outbuildings would “extend the site further” and lead to an “urbanising effect”.
Developers Frustrated by Unmet Demand
The developer argued that the council had failed to meet demand for self-build housing plots, accusing it of a “blatant disregard” for its delivery responsibilities. “We very much hope that the inspector can grant the appeal to assist those desperately waiting for plots,” a spokesperson said.
However, while the inspector acknowledged there was “a demonstrable unmet need” for self-build homes, this did not outweigh the environmental and planning concerns. South Cambridgeshire District Council maintained that the site’s green belt designation must be respected and that the social benefits of the community features proposed were not sufficient to justify approval.
The decision marks a continued commitment by the council and planning authorities to preserving the character and openness of Cambridge’s surrounding countryside, even in the face of the UK government’s wider push to boost housing supply.
