Land North of Braeburn Way, Cranfield, Bedfordshire, MK43 0EH

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• the effect of the proposed development on the character, appearance and landscape of the site and the surrounding area
• the effect of the proposed development on highway safety
• the effect of the proposed development on the living conditions of existing occupiers of Harcourt, High Street and Braeburn Way, with particular regard to noise and disturbance
• the effect of the proposed development on existing and planned operations at the adjacent airport
• the effect of the proposed development on the living conditions of future occupiers of the proposed development, with particular regard to noise
• the effect of the proposed development on local infrastructure provision
• whether the Council can demonstrate a five year housing land supply
• the overall planning balance

What decided it

The unacceptable and unmitigated harm to highway safety and to the living conditions of existing occupiers of Harcourt, High Street and Braeburn Way from increased and re-routed traffic movements outweighed the housing and other benefits under the tilted balance.

the significant weight attributed to the housing, affordable housing, self-build and economic benefits was significantly and demonstrably outweighed by the substantial weight given to the adverse impacts on highway safety and on existing residents' living conditions, so the presumption in favour of sustainable development did not apply and the appeal was dismissed