Public Inquiry – 17-20th February 2026 – Benson Parish Hall

Many of you will be aware of the application by Beechcroft Developments to build 40 ‘Age-related’ (Over-55) Dwellings along Braze Lane, right on the boundary of the Parish.

This application was strongly opposed by both Benson Parish Council and Berrick Salome Parish Council on the following grounds

• the proposed site is a mile from village centre shops and services
• the site lacks suitable pedestrian and cycling routes to encourage residents not to default to their cars
• building in the countryside on the edge of Benson Parish would cause significant harm to the rural landscape and setting of our Parish
• the site is beyond the boundary of Benson’s built area defined in our Neighbourhood Plan (NP) and where the NP has stipulated that a green buffer should be
• Benson has already accepted a large amount of additional housing, way in excess of our original target, and the building work is not yet complete.
• The Parish council believes there is no appetite in the community for more development.

SODC refused the application in September last year.  Beechcroft appealed this decision and asked for the appeal to be held as a Public Inquiry (PI).

Whilst Beechcroft (and their agents) and SODC are the ‘main parties’ at this PI, Benson PC and Berrick Salome PC have also elected to participate together in their own right (as a joint ‘Rule 6 Party’) and have appointed a Planning Consultant and a Junior Barrister to assist us.  We have taken these decisions for a combination of reasons – the strength of opposition to the principle of further development from both councils and both communities; the central role of Benson’s Neighbourhood Plan in the arguments that will be made; the complexities of the case; and the obvious risk that this appeal, if granted, will encourage further opportunistic developments to come forward.

The PI will be held in Benson Parish Hall.  The opening day on the 17th February will offer parishioners the chance to convey their feelings about the proposed development and the opportunity to speak as ‘Interested Parties’.

The 150 overwhelmingly negative responses to this application from parishioners of both parishes demonstrate clearly that there is no support for the proposed development. However, it is important that we show that our community backs the Parish Council’s stance, so please come along to the Parish Hall at 10am on 17th February and show your support if you possibly can! 

Further information to follow on how to speak at the PI.