# Land to the rear of Melrose, Arndale, Wigston

- **Decision:** dismissed, 23 September 2026
- **Decided by:** Planning Inspector: Rosie Morgan
- **Authority:** Oadby and Wigston (East Midlands)
- **Appeal reference:** 6009097
- **Application reference:** 25/00315/FUL
- **Procedure:** written-representations
- **Development:** Detached one-bed bungalow on a narrow former access plot
- **Homes:** 1
- **Site context:** inside-settlement
- **Green Belt:** no
- **Framework applied:** August 2026 NPPF
- **Determinative policies:** S3(1)(c), L2
- **Development plan policies:** Oadby and Wigston Local Plan 2019 Policies 6, 11, 15, 37, 44, Residential Development SPD
- **Main issues:** character, living conditions, BNG
- **Tags:** tier-2, s4-not-applied, bng-metric-missing, self-build-unsecured, small-scheme, transitional-no-consultation

## Summary
A one-bed bungalow squeezed onto a 6 m-wide former access plot in a Wigston cul-de-sac was dismissed. It was cramped and out of character, with too little and overlooked private garden, and without the minimum BNG information. The parties were not consulted on the new Framework: its content was said to be "similar" (DL ¶3). The inspector applied only S3(1)(c), finding no accord with an up-to-date plan, and did not run the S4 "substantially outweighed" balance for a site plainly within a settlement (DL ¶24).

## What made the difference
The plot size and future occupiers' living conditions (38 sqm garden, overlooked). The letter also records that the new small-site BNG exemption applies only to applications submitted from August 2026 (DL ¶21). The omission of S4 is notable. Most inspectors run S4 even for dismissals.

## Policy findings
- **L2: conflict.** efficient use of land but unacceptable living standards - 38 sqm garden against 50 sqm SPD, overlooked by window of rear building (DL 13-19)
- **S3(1)(c): fail.** does not accord with the up-to-date plan, so S3 gives no reason to allow; S4 not applied (DL 24)

## Key facts
- Plot about 6m wide and 150 sqm between garages at a cul-de-sac head (DL 6, 9)
- Self-build BNG exemption unsecured; the post-August 2026 small-site BNG exemption does not apply to earlier applications; DMPO Art 7 BNG information missing (DL 20-22)

## Sources
- https://appeal-planning-decision.service.gov.uk/comment-planning-appeal/appeals/6009097
- https://appeal-planning-decision.service.gov.uk/published-document/9e15fb57-b2ca-404a-b684-1e501db40f4d

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Source: https://planningdistilled.org/research/england/nppf-navigator/decisions/PINS-6009097.html

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