Refusal of rural housing application quashed due to inadequate reasoning by planning authority

The High Court quashed a decision by a planning authority and statutory planning board to refuse a businesswoman planning permission for a rural dwelling, finding the refusal invalid due to inadequate reasoning, especially where the authority failed to engage with its own inspector's comprehensive report or to address key factors such as the applicant’s established economic need, strong local ties, and absence of affordable housing options. The court held that, in departing from its inspector’s recommendations, the planning board is obliged to provide clear and meaningful reasons explaining why, which was not done in this case. The order of certiorari was granted, effectively requiring the planning board to reconsider the applicant’s case with proper reasoning.