Yeoman Stud, Moats Tye Livery, Moats Tye, Combs, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 2EY

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the site would be a suitable location for the proposed development with particular regard to its accessibility to services and facilities
• The effect of the proposed development on the setting of a nearby Grade II listed building, Whitehouse Farmhouse
• Whether the proposed dwelling would provide a suitable standard of accommodation to future occupiers with specific regard to its proximity to existing development within the surrounding area

What decided it

The less than substantial harm to the setting of Whitehouse Farmhouse, a Grade II listed building, which the Inspector found would not be outweighed by the modest public benefits of the proposed single dwelling, providing a clear reason for refusal under Framework Paragraph 11d(i).

The tilted balance under Framework Paragraph 11d was engaged due to out-of-date countryside policies, but the heritage protection policies in the Framework provided a clear reason for refusal; the less than substantial harm to the listed building setting, afforded great weight, outweighed the modest public benefits of housing delivery and economic support, which could only be attributed moderate weight.