Appeal allowed at Richmond Hill: Parking Survey transport and sustainability benefits help tip the balance

We are pleased to report that the Planning Inspectorate has allowed the appeal (reference “6002563”) against Richmond Council’s refusal of planning application “PA25/1389”, which sought permission for the reversion of four flats to a single-family dwelling, along with removal of a fire escape, replacement windows, and provision of refuse and cycle storage.

The application was refused by the Council in June 2025, principally on the grounds of net housing loss under Local Plan Policy 14. Kronen was commissioned to prepare a Parking Survey in support of the scheme, demonstrating the transport, parking, and environmental benefits that would flow from the proposed change of use.

The main issue

The Inspector identified the central question as whether the loss of housing units proposed under the scheme was significantly outweighed by other factors, having regard to LP Policy 14. Our Parking Survey contributed to the body of evidence addressing that question from a transport and environmental perspective.

“The Council acknowledges that the implementation of the scheme would bring about local parking and transportation benefits in an area of high parking demand, and where the PTAL rating is poor. It would also bring about a reduced trip generation for the property as a whole, thus effecting lower CO₂ emissions.”— Planning Inspectorate decision letter, Appeal ref. 6002563

The Inspector concluded that the combination of benefits — including those identified in our Parking Survey — was sufficient to set aside the normal thrust of Policy 14. The decision letter states:

“I conclude that, taken in combination, the benefits of the scheme significantly outweigh the harm caused by the loss of the 3 housing units, and I therefore consider that, exceptionally, the main thrust of LP policy 14 need not be adhered to.”— Planning Inspectorate decision letter, Appeal ref. 6002563

The role of the Parking Survey

Kronen’s Parking Survey was prepared to demonstrate that, notwithstanding the net loss of three residential units, the scheme would generate clear and quantifiable benefits in transport and environmental terms. The site sits in an area of high on-street parking demand with a poor Public Transport Accessibility Level (PTAL) rating. By reverting to a single dwelling, the survey showed that the scheme would reduce overall trip generation and ease parking pressure, while also contributing to lower CO₂ emissions — a set of benefits that the Inspector expressly recognised.

This outcome demonstrates the value of thorough, evidence-based transport assessment in planning appeals, particularly where policy tests require a careful weighing of competing material considerations.

(Image: Dyer Grimes)