Land at Castle End Farm, Lea, Herefordshire, HR9 7JY

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the appeal site is an appropriate location for new housing having regard to the development plan and relevant national planning policies
• The effect of the proposed development upon the setting of a nearby listed building
• The effect of the proposed development upon the safe and efficient operation of the highway network
• Whether the proposed development would provide satisfactory living conditions for future occupiers with regard to noise
• Whether the proposed development provides adequate water supply
• The effect of the proposed development on the River Wye, Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Bat, and Wye Valley Woodland Special Area of Conservation

What decided it

The conflict with the development plan regarding the location of the site outside the settlement boundary, combined with less than substantial harm to the listed building's setting and significant highway safety concerns, cumulatively outweighed the moderate benefits of housing delivery.

The harm arising from the location outside the settlement boundary, the less than substantial harm to the heritage setting of Castle End, and the significant adverse effect on highway safety would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of housing delivery and employment generation, even if the tilted balance had applied.