Protecting Hanham's Green Belt: Update on The Batch Appeal Hearing

"The Batch" at Hanham, South Gloucestershire

Hanham District Green Belt Conservation Society stands firmly with South Gloucestershire Council in opposing the appeal by Ashfield Land and Redrow Homes (Appeal Ref: APP/P0119/W/24/3357956) to develop 140 homes on Green Belt land known locally as "The Batch," south of Hencliffe Way and west of Castle Farm Road. The appeal hearing, following the Council’s refusal of outline planning permission on 16 August 2024, has concluded, and we await the Inspector’s decision. Below, we summarise the key arguments from the closing statements and reaffirm our commitment to preserving Hanham’s precious Green Belt.

South Gloucestershire Council’s Robust Defence

The Council’s closing statement, presented by Hashi Mohamed of Landmark Chambers on 18 May 2025, powerfully articulated why this development is inappropriate and harmful to the Green Belt. The Council firmly rejected the appellants’ claim that the site qualifies as “Grey Belt” under the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). They argued that the site strongly contributes to preventing urban sprawl, a core Green Belt purpose, and lacks the characteristics of Grey Belt, such as previously developed land or weak contribution to Green Belt objectives.

“The site is not Grey Belt, as it strongly contributes to preventing urban sprawl... Development would breach the established urban boundary, undermine the wider Green Belt, and create an incongruous pattern.”

The Council highlighted the significant harm to Green Belt openness, noting that 140 homes would transform the undeveloped landscape, breaching Hanham’s defensible urban edge. The proposal would also cause permanent loss of rural character in the Avon Valley, disrupt valued public rights of way, and severely impact the amenity of residents, particularly at Nos. 62 and 66 Hencliffe Way. The appellants’ proposed benefits, such as housing provision, were deemed standard and insufficient to outweigh these harms under the “Very Special Circumstances” (VSC) test.

The Appellants’ Misguided Case

Ashfield Land and Redrow Homes, represented by Neil Cameron KC and Rebecca Sage of Landmark Chambers on 20 May 2025, argued that the site is “Grey Belt” due to its moderate contribution to Green Belt purposes and its containment by features like woodland and topography. They claimed that the housing crisis in South Gloucestershire, with a shortfall in the 5-year housing land supply, justifies the development, alongside benefits like 50% affordable housing. They also pointed to the site’s draft allocation in the emerging Regulation 19 plan (HA1) as supporting their case.

However, the Society finds these arguments unconvincing. The appellants’ reliance on “Grey Belt” misinterprets NPPF policy, as the site’s undeveloped nature and strong role in preventing sprawl clearly disqualify it. Their assessment of landscape and visual impacts downplays the permanent transformation of the Avon Valley’s rural character. Moreover, their dismissal of amenity impacts on residents, such as noise and loss of tranquility, ignores the lived experiences of those like Mrs. Yoxall and Mr. Webster, whose quality of life would be significantly harmed.

Why The Batch Must Be Protected

The Batch is a vital part of Hanham’s Green Belt, cherished for its open countryside, recreational paths, and role in defining the community’s rural edge. The proposed development would not only erode this valued landscape but also set a dangerous precedent for further Green Belt incursions. The Society echoes the Council’s stance that the appellants’ benefits, while acknowledged, do not constitute the exceptional circumstances required to justify such harm. The draft allocation in the emerging plan carries limited weight and should be tested through proper plan-making processes, not this appeal.

Hanham District Green Belt Conservation Society urges the Inspector to dismiss this appeal, protecting "The Batch" for future generations and upholding the integrity of our Green Belt.

Our Commitment

We remain steadfast in our mission to safeguard Hanham’s Green Belt from inappropriate development. "The Batch" is more than just land; it’s a community asset that supports biodiversity, recreation, and our rural heritage. We thank our members and residents for their continued support and encourage everyone to stay engaged as we await the Inspector’s decision.