Land to the Rear of 92-102 Monkton Street, Monkton, Kent , CT12 4JQ

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the proposal would be in an appropriate location, with particular regard to the development plan's spatial strategy and the effect on the landscape
• the effect on best and most versatile agricultural land
• whether the proposed development makes the necessary and appropriate provision and contributions for affordable housing and infrastructure
• whether there are any material considerations, including the housing land supply and housing delivery situations, which would indicate a determination other than in accordance with the terms of the development plan

What decided it

The significant shortfall in five-year housing land supply (4.34 years) triggered the tilted balance under NPPF paragraph 11, and the substantial benefits of housing delivery outweighed the limited harm to landscape character and the loss of best and most versatile agricultural land.

The benefits of delivering 49 dwellings and affordable housing, significant in social and economic terms given the housing land supply shortfall, outweighed the harms from loss of countryside and best and most versatile agricultural land, which were limited given the site's enclosed nature and the need to balance food security with housing need.