Rough Close, Swan Lane, Edenbridge, TN8 6AJ

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• The effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the local area
• The effect of the proposal on highway safety
• Whether the proposal would conserve or enhance biodiversity

What decided it

The failure to demonstrate that the proposal would conserve or enhance biodiversity, combined with unacceptable harm to character and appearance and unresolved highway safety concerns, provided compelling reasons for dismissal that conditions could not satisfactorily address.

Although the tilted balance under paragraph 11 of the Framework was engaged due to the lack of a five-year housing land supply, it was disapplied because the biodiversity policies protecting assets of particular importance provided a clear reason for refusal; the benefits of providing an additional family dwelling were outweighed by the unacceptable harm to character and appearance and the failure to demonstrate adequate ecological mitigation.