Oast View, Land Opposite, Bodiam Business Park, Bodiam, TN32 5UP

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the appeal site is in a suitable location for new housing development, having regard to the local development strategy for the area
• The effects of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area, with particular regard to the landscape and scenic beauty of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
• The effects of the proposal on the living conditions of future occupiers, with particular regard to private rear garden space, privacy and internal storage

What decided it

The significant harm to the landscape and scenic beauty of the High Weald AONB, which paragraph 176 of the Framework protects with the highest status, provides a clear reason for refusal that outweighs the housing supply benefits and the presumption in favour of sustainable development does not apply.

The modest social, environmental and economic benefits of five additional dwellings, utilisation of previously developed land, and net zero carbon delivery were outweighed by the significant harm to the landscape and scenic beauty of the High Weald AONB, which paragraph 176 requires to be given great weight, and by the additional harms to character and appearance, living conditions, and location suitability.