Kelling Park, Holgate Hill, Kelling, NR25 7ER

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the appeal site would be an appropriate location for the proposed development having regard to policies for the location of new housing and its accessibility to services and facilities
• the effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the surrounding area and the landscape character of the North Norfolk Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• the effect of the proposed development on local facilities and services
• whether the Council has an adequate five-year housing land supply
• the weight to be attached in the planning balance and other material considerations

What decided it

The significant and substantial harm to the character, appearance and special qualities of the North Norfolk AONB provided a clear reason for refusal under paragraph 11d)i), disengaging the tilted balance and outweighing the benefits of the scheme.

In a straight (non-tilted) balance, the significant harm to the AONB and rural character, together with the unjustified loss of a community care facility, outweighed the moderate benefits of eight additional dwellings and their associated sustainability measures.