Land to the north of Rosemary Lane, Bran End, Essex, CM6 3RX

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the proposal is consistent with policies relating to housing in rural areas, with regard to the protection of the countryside
• whether the proposed development makes provision for safe and suitable pedestrian access
• in light of the proposed pedestrian and other access arrangements, whether the proposal would be accessible to services and facilities
• the effect of the proposed development on the protected species and habitat of the Hatfield Forest Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and National Nature Reserve (NNR) and the Priority Deciduous Woodland and Bran End Wood Local Wildlife Site
• the effect of the proposed development on the setting of the Grade II listed buildings known as Apple Tree Cottage, Cranford, Stone Cottage and The Green Man

What decided it

The cumulative harm to the countryside, pedestrian and general accessibility, and to the setting of three Grade II listed buildings was found to significantly and comfortably outweigh the proposal's benefits, leading to conflict with the development plan as a whole.

The adverse impacts of the proposal, relating to countryside character, pedestrian and general accessibility, and heritage harm, were found to be matters of significant weight that comfortably outweighed the claimed benefits, including housing land supply boost, affordable housing and economic benefits.