Bilsham Road

ECE Planning

ECE Planning successfully secured full planning permission via appeal for a 170-home development on behalf of BoKlok Housing Limited in Yapton, West Sussex. Although the site lay outside the defined Built-Up Area Boundary and was not allocated in the Local Plan, the scheme was approved following a public hearing in December 2024. Arun District Council had initially refused the application on design and landscape grounds, despite officer support. The positive outcome reflects a carefully managed strategy and ECE Planning’s expert navigation of the planning process.

ECE Planning led the project from early engagement through to appeal. Working closely with Arun District Council and West Sussex County Council, the team coordinated a full multi-disciplinary submission including transport assessments, flood risk and drainage reports, a robust planning statement, and a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment. This proactive approach ensured a well-rounded and defensible application from the outset.

A key aspect of the development was its use of BoKlok’s modular housing system, which offering a modern, sustainable solution to local housing need. The scheme’s contemporary design was well justified through technical evidence and officer support. Despite this, the project was refused at committee level, requiring ECE Planning to pivot quickly and prepare for appeal.

Acting as lead planning witness, ECE Planning managed the appeal and provided full written and oral evidence. The Inspector concluded that the benefits, including 30% affordable housing, outweighed any conflict with local policy, and confirmed that the scheme would not harm local character or landscape. The approval was secured with a Section 106 Agreement, delivering key infrastructure and public open space enhancements, which marked a clear win for both the client and the community.