Land to the south of D’Urton Lane, Preston, PR3 5LD

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the site is previously developed land
• The extent to which the proposed development is consistent with the spatial strategy for the area
• The effect on the significance of designated heritage assets, in particular the Church of St John the Baptist, Broughton C of E Primary School and the Church Cottage Museum
• The effect on Highway Safety by way of Traffic Generation, Car Parking and the Guild Wheel Cycling and Walking Route
• The design quality of the proposed development
• The effect on the character and appearance of the area, including the countryside and Broughton village

What decided it

The compelling and demonstrable need for the mosque combined with its high design quality outweighed the limited 'less than substantial' heritage harm and conflict with the spatial strategy policies of the development plan.

The significant weight given to the demonstrable need and high design quality, together with moderate weight to Guild Wheel improvements, energy efficiency and economic benefits, outweighed the great weight attached to the limited less-than-substantial harm to the setting of the Grade II* listed Church, and the conflict with the development plan's spatial strategy.