Land at Broyle Gate Farm, Lewes Road, Ringmer, East Sussex, BN8 5NA

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether or not the proposal accords with the spatial strategy as set out in the development plan
• The effect of the proposed development on the landscape, character and appearance of the area, including with regard to the setting of the SDNP and the settlements of Ringmer and Broyle Side
• The effect on the significance of (a) the nearby Grade II listed buildings, 'Broyle Gate Farmhouse' (Ref: 1238588) and 'Former Farm Buildings to the north and northeast of Broyle Gate Farmhouse' (Ref: 1238592) and (b) the non-designated heritage asset 'Little Thatch Cottage'
• The acceptability of the sports and recreational facilities proposed as part of the development, including with regard to Policy 7.4 of the Ringmer Neighbourhood Plan

What decided it

The Council's inability to demonstrate a five year housing land supply engaged the tilted balance, under which the substantial housing and affordable housing benefits outweighed the identified landscape, heritage and policy conflict harms.

The substantial benefits of up to 100 dwellings (40% affordable) and significant benefits from funded sports and recreation facilities, together with moderate economic and biodiversity benefits, outweighed the moderate landscape and visual harm, the less than substantial heritage harm to designated assets, modest harm to a non-designated heritage asset, and limited conflict with the spatial strategy and Policy 7.4, such that the adverse impacts did not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits.