Tan House second enforcement notice appeal succeeds with a (second) costs award. By a decision letter and separate costs decision both dated 9 May 2025, planning Inspector John Braithwaite BSc(Arch) BArch(Hons) RIBA MRTPI allowed a ground B appeal, quashed the enforcement notice [alleging the making of a material change of use], and granted retrospective planning permission [ground A] for operational development at the grade II listed Tan House, Laundry Lane, Newland in the Forest of Dean.

Clive Moys is delighted for his clients who having been living with this hanging over them since the LPA served the first enforcement notice in December 2023. That notice was ill-conceived and, eventually, withdrawn by the LPA (with a costs award in my clients’ favour). Unfortunately, the LPA (perhaps influenced by well organised and resourced local objectors) then took a “second bite” issuing a fresh notice in July 2024.

In the face of their home and business being under threat the clients showed remarkable resilience and determination reminding Clive that it truly is a privilege to appear at a public local inquiry as an advocate on their behalf. Rather than a name check of the expert witnesses who gave technical evidence, a special mention for planning consultant Peter Tufnell DipTP MRTPI whose hard work and evidence were instrumental in achieving this victory.

Read the appeal decision here.

Read the costs decision here.