Land at Maplewell Road, Woodhouse Eaves, LE12 8RA

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the development is in accordance with the Borough's spatial strategy
• the impact of the scheme on the character and appearance of the area
• its effect on the supply of best and most versatile agricultural land
• its effect on non-designated heritage assets
• whether the increased traffic would fail to preserve the character or appearance of the Woodhouse Eaves Conservation Area and unreasonably harm the living conditions of residents on Maplewell Road
• whether infrastructure demands would be adequately addressed
• if any harm would be caused, whether this would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of the scheme (the Planning balance)

What decided it

The significant shortfall in the Council's housing land supply (3.34 years) engaged the tilted balance under NPPF paragraph 11(d), and the benefits of housing and affordable housing delivery were found not to be significantly and demonstrably outweighed by the identified harms.

The harms from conflict with the spatial strategy, character and appearance, loss of best and most versatile agricultural land, and heritage setting were outweighed by the benefits of delivering 36 dwellings (including affordable housing) in the context of a significant housing land supply shortfall, so the appeal was allowed.