# The Elms, Woodperry Road, Beckley (self-build dwelling)

- **Decision:** allowed, 9 September 2026
- **Decided by:** Planning Inspector: H Nicholls
- **Authority:** South Oxfordshire (South East)
- **Appeal reference:** 6011224
- **Application reference:** P26/S0547/FUL
- **Procedure:** written-representations
- **Development:** 1.5-storey 2-bed self-build detached house
- **Homes:** 1
- **Site context:** inside-settlement
- **Green Belt:** no
- **Framework applied:** August 2026 NPPF
- **Determinative policies:** L2(1)(ii)
- **Development plan policies:** South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2035 DES6, HO1, HO8, Beckley and Stowood Neighbourhood Plan 2024 DG1, VB1
- **Main issues:** neighbour outlook and light
- **Tags:** self-build, l2-efficient-use, parties-consulted-on-2026-framework, small-scheme, tier-2

## Summary
A self-build house in Beckley was allowed. There was no harmful loss of outlook or light to the neighbour, meeting the local plan, the neighbourhood plan and the new L2(1)(ii) living-standards proviso (DL ¶11).

## What made the difference
The neighbour relationship was acceptable on the detail. Notably, the self-build label was not secured by obligation because the principle did not depend on it (DL ¶12). Contrast PINS-6009942, where the missing obligation was fatal on BNG.

## Policy findings
- **L2(1)(ii): pass.** efficient use of land "provided it maintains acceptable living standards" - no harmful loss of outlook or light to Honeybear (DL 11)
- **HO5: neutral.** self-build not secured by obligation; not necessary as the principle was accepted under HO1 and HO8 (DL 12)

## Key facts
- Parties invited to comment on the 17 Aug 2026 Framework (DL 2)

## Sources
- https://appeal-planning-decision.service.gov.uk/comment-planning-appeal/appeals/6011224
- https://appeal-planning-decision.service.gov.uk/published-document/ec590a09-c979-4f38-8f13-94dd5cd21b84

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Source: https://planningdistilled.org/research/england/nppf-navigator/decisions/PINS-6011224.html

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