Land at Bethwines Farm and South of Ivy Lodge, West of Blackboy Lane, Fishbourne, West Sussex, PO18 8BH

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• the effect on the character and appearance of the area
• the effect on the living conditions of the proposed occupiers, in terms of outdoor amenity space, privacy and noise
• whether the proposal makes adequate provision for foul and surface water disposal
• whether the proposal would utilise sustainable construction methods in line with development plan policy
• the effect on habitats sites
• whether the proposal makes adequate provision for affordable housing and necessary infrastructure
• whether there are any other material considerations, including the nature of the proposals and its benefits, the housing land supply position and the current status of the development plan, that mean the proposal should be determined otherwise than in accordance with the terms of the development plan

What decided it

The Inspector could not conclude, absent an appropriate assessment, that the proposal would not adversely affect the integrity of habitats sites, which precluded the tilted balance and, combined with other harms, meant the proposal conflicted with the development plan as a whole.

The harms from poor design, inadequate drainage, unresolved nitrate neutrality/habitats effects, unsecured affordable housing and infrastructure outweighed the benefits of housing delivery and the lack of a five-year housing land supply, so the proposal conflicted with the development plan as a whole and was dismissed.