‘No special circumstances’ were identified that would outweigh the harm to Cookham Dean’s greenbelt if two self-build homes were approved, a planning inspector has ruled. Plans ‘in principle’ for up to two self-build homes on a piece of land at Dean Stables in Hills Lane were rejected after the Royal Borough deemed the development ‘unacceptable’. In an appeal decision, a Government planning inspector thought that although there is a small stable building near the site, the land has a ‘distinctly rural character’. Since the appeal was lodged, comments from Cookham Parish Council, residents and the Cookham Society were once again submitted. They said that although the development would add to the self-build opportunities in Cookham Dean, two homes are only ‘a modest increase’.

Source: Express March 19, 2026 11:04 UTC