®Planning appeal decision
Rear of Poplar Farm House, , 20 Poplar Road, Wittersham, TN30 7PD
for the erection of up to 23 dwellings together with all necessary infrastructure on land at rear of Poplar Farm, Wittersham
- Authority
- Ashford Borough Council
- Appeal type
- major · Planning Appeal
- Procedure
- Written Representations
- Development
- residential · Major dwellings
- Inspector
- Jolly J
Main issues, as the Inspector framed them
- the effects of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the area, including the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
- the effect of the proposed development on the setting of listed buildings
- whether the proposal is in a suitable location
- financial obligations
What decided it
The harm to the AONB and the less-than-substantial but moderate harm to the setting of listed buildings, which together provide a clear reason for refusal that disapplies the tilted balance, outweigh the housing and economic benefits of the proposal.
The moderate less-than-substantial harm to listed buildings, when weighed against the social benefits of 23 new homes (moderate weight), economic benefits (moderate weight), and environmental/biodiversity gains (limited weight), does not justify permission; the tilted balance is disapplied by the clear reasons for refusal relating to the AONB and heritage assets.
Framework references: 11, 130, 176, 199, 202
Plan policies cited: Policy SP1, Policy SP2, Policy SP6, Policy HOU1, Policy HOU5, Policy HOU6, Policy ENV3B, Policy ENV13, Policy IMP1
Judgments cited: Barnwell Manor Wind Energy Ltd v East Northants DC, English Heritage, National Trust and SSCLG (2014)
The main issues and the deciding factor are read from the published letter by Town Planner Pro; the letter itself is the record. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Research, not advice.