Coldthorn Barn, Coldthorn Lane, HAILSHAM, BN27 3PJ

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether or not the development plan would support the proposed residential development in this location
• whether or not future occupants of the housing would have satisfactory access to services and facilities by a range of transport modes
• the effect of the development on the character and appearance of the area
• the effect of the development on non-designated heritage assets
• the effect of the development on the adjoining woodland, including whether or not it should be considered to be Ancient Woodland
• the effect of the development on habitats and protected species
• when examining the overall planning balance, if the proposal would not accord with the development plan when considered as a whole, whether or not material considerations indicate a decision should be made otherwise

What decided it

The absence of a five year housing land supply engaged the paragraph 11d tilted balance, and the benefits of housing delivery were not significantly and demonstrably outweighed by the identified harms for either scheme.

For Appeal A, moderate benefits (housing delivery, economic/social benefits) were weighed against moderate harms (out-of-centre location, accessibility concerns), with the balance tipping in favour of sustainable development under paragraph 11d; for Appeal B, substantial benefits (housing numbers, 35% affordable housing, economic/social benefits) outweighed moderate harms (out-of-centre location, character and appearance harm), again resulting in a finding of sustainable development under paragraph 11d.