Maldon Road, Latchingdon, Essex, CM3 6LG

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the site is a suitable location for the development with particular regard to access to services and facilities
• The effect of the development on the character and appearance of the area
• The effect of the development with regard to Flood Risk
• The effect of the development on European Sites
• The effect of the development on Highway Safety

What decided it

The absence of a site-specific Flood Risk Assessment and evidence that the site is located in Flood Zone 3a, where highly vulnerable development (mobile homes) should not be permitted, combined with the failure to secure mitigation for likely significant effects on European Sites, provide clear reasons for refusal that override the tilted balance triggered by the housing land supply shortfall.

the conflicts with Framework paragraphs 167 (flood risk) and 174a (habitat sites) provide clear reasons for refusal under the tilted balance, and the modest social and economic benefits of a single dwelling are insufficient to outweigh the conflicts with the development plan