Mantells , Foxes Lane, Eight Ash Green, CO6 3PS

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the proposals would preserve a Grade II listed building, known as 'Mantells Farmhouse', and any of the features of special architectural or historic interest that it possesses, including its setting

What decided it

Appeal Scheme 2's form, scale and appearance represented an appropriate design response that would preserve the special historic interest of the listed building and its setting, whereas Appeal Scheme 1's pyramidal roof, squat appearance and projection beyond the gable would cause less than substantial harm that public benefits could not justify.

For Appeal Scheme 1: the less than substantial harm to the significance of the designated heritage asset, to which great weight must be given, was not outweighed by the public benefits identified (better revelation of setting, improved living environment as private benefit, and limited environmental/social/economic benefits); for Appeal Scheme 2: no harmful balance was required as the proposal would preserve the special historic interest.