Appeal made against planning decision that prevented changes to local butchers shop in Penn

An appeal has been lodged against a council decision to not to allow the owners of Gleeson’s butchers shop at 34 Hazlemere Road, Penn to extend and alter the premises.

An independent planning inspector appointed by the Government at a planning inquiry will now decide the issue.

In December 2016 Chiltern District Council rejected an application by the property owners to redesign and extend the premises which comprises living accommodation and a shop.

Gleeson’s butchers is the only butchers in Penn and Tylers Green and nearly 500 letters and a petition were submitted objecting to the proposed changes making it the biggest planning objection ever seen in the village.

A recommendation to approve the proposed plan was made by Chiltern District Council’s own planning officers which the Council chose to ignore in making their decision to reject the plans sighting that the application was contrary to the council’s core strategy to protect local facilities like local shops in local communities.

All objections submitted previously will be forwarded to the Planning Inspectorate, who will be make the final recommendation.

Comments can still be made direct to the inspector by emailing [email protected] and quoting the planning appeal reference APP/X0415/W/15/3141422. Letters can also be sent by sending three copies to Ms Ann Edmonds, The Planning Inspectorate, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Bristol BS1 6PN. Representations must be received by Wednesday 17th February 2016.

The planning inquiry is likely to be held in March 2016 with the inspector’s recommendation being sent in the Spring to Greg Clark MP, the Secretary of State for the Department of Communities and Local Government who will make the final decision.