Land to the North of School Lane, Little Melton, NR9 3NL

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the proposal represents a suitable location for development, having regard to relevant development plan policy
• The effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area
• The effect on the living conditions of neighbouring occupants, with particular reference to noise and disturbance
• The effect of the proposal on the integrity of designated habitats sites

What decided it

The failure to provide evidence demonstrating that the proposal would achieve nutrient neutrality and adequately mitigate for additional recreational pressure on the Broads SAC, combined with the significant harm to character and appearance and neighbours' living conditions, meant the harms substantially outweighed the housing benefits.

The significant weight afforded to housing supply benefits was substantially outweighed by the significant weight given to harm to character and appearance, the significant weight given to breach of policies protecting amenity and the environment, and the decisive factor of unresolved harm to protected habitats; the tilted balance was not engaged due to the clear reason for refusal relating to habitats sites protection.