Bid for ‘self build’ home in village back garden won on appeal
By James Smith 14th Aug 2026
A planning inspector has approved plans for a 'self build' house to be built in a back garden in Lapworth.
Warwick District Council had originally refused the application for Valley Lane in January, saying the scheme was not in a sustainable location.
An appeal was then submitted to the planning inspector in a bid to force through the plans.
The appeal was allowed in July, meaning the plans can now move forward.
A council report explained: "The LPA [council] considered that the site was not in a sustainable location.
"The inspector agreed that the services and facilities in Kingswood would be beyond what would be considered as reasonable walking distance.
"However, even though the roads are narrow and unlit, the inspector considered that it would be possible for future occupants to cycle to the bus stops, train station and other facilities in Kingswood.
"The inspector acknowledged that future occupants would still be likely to continue to use the private car for day-[to]-day needs but pointed to [planning guidelines] which recognises that opportunities to maximise sustainable transport solutions will vary between urban and rural areas.
"Within the context of its rural location, the inspector was satisfied the proposal would be in a sustainable location.
"The inspector considered the proposal would be appropriate development in the green belt by virtue of it being grey belt and the proposal not giving rise to encroachment given the existing structures on the site proposed to be removed."
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