Former Playing Fields, Epping Forest College, Borders Lane, Loughton, IG10 3SA

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• The design of the schemes and their effect on the character and appearance of the surrounding area
• The effect on the living conditions of future occupiers, with particular regard to light, and the living conditions of neighbouring occupiers, with particular regard to privacy, shadowing and outlook
• The provision of affordable housing
• Whether the proposal would encourage an over-reliance on the private car (Site B only)

What decided it

The Council's inability to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply engaged the tilted balance for Appeal A, and for Appeal B the scheme was found to accord fully with the development plan and its housing allocation, together tipping both appeals in favour of granting permission.

For Appeal A, the significant benefits of housing delivery, maximum affordable housing and moderate economic benefits were not significantly and demonstrably outweighed by the limited design conflict and minor daylight/sunlight harm, applying the tilted balance under paragraph 11(d)(ii); for Appeal B, no adverse impacts were found to weigh against the development plan compliance, so no tilted balance was required.