Land East of London Lane, Ascott-Under-Wychwood, OX7 6AN

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the appeal site would be a suitable location for the proposed development having regard to development plan policies relating to housing in rural areas, and the effect of the proposed development on the rural setting and character of the village, the landscape and scenic beauty of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the setting of the Grade II listed building, known as 4-6 High Street, and Brook Barn, a Non-Designated Heritage Asset
• whether acceptable living conditions could be provided for future occupiers of the proposed dwellings, with regard to outlook, and any potential subsequent effect on trees
• whether suitable arrangements have been made in connection with the proposal to contribute to affordable housing provision off-site

What decided it

The absence of substantive evidence of specific local housing need for the proposed development in the village, combined with the proposal's harmful effects on the rural character of the village, the AONB landscape, the setting of the Grade II listed building, and the living conditions of future occupiers, outweighed the limited public benefits.

The public benefits of housing delivery for older persons, affordable housing contribution, and social and economic benefits were afforded limited weight collectively, and were outweighed by the great weight to be given to the less than substantial harm to the listed building setting and the significant harm to the AONB landscape and village character.