®Planning appeal decision
Land north of Eilansgate, HEXHAM, Northumberland, NE46 3EW
development for up to 43 residential dwellings (Use Class C3), demolition, infrastructure, access, open space and landscaping (All matters reserved except for access)
- Authority
- Northumberland County Council
- Appeal type
- major · Planning Appeal
- Procedure
- Written Representations
- Development
- residential · Major dwellings
- Inspector
- Baxter C
Main issues, as the Inspector framed them
- Whether the proposal is inappropriate development in the Green Belt
- The effect of the proposal on ecology
- Whether the proposal would preserve or enhance the setting, character or appearance of the Hexham Conservation Area
- The effect of the proposal on drainage and flooding in the area
- Whether any harm by reason of inappropriateness, and any other harm, would be clearly outweighed by other considerations, and if so, whether this would amount to very special circumstances necessary to justify the proposals
What decided it
The substantial harm to the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness was not clearly outweighed by the moderate benefits of the scheme, and therefore very special circumstances did not exist to justify the development.
The moderate weight attributed to the benefits of the scheme (100% affordable housing, investment in community sports facilities, and contributions to education and healthcare) did not clearly outweigh the substantial harm to the Green Belt, resulting in the dismissal of the appeal.
Framework references: 149, 199, 148
Plan policies cited: Policy STP7, Policy STP8, Policy ENV 2, Policy QOP 1, Policy QOP 2, Policy ENV 9, Policy WAT 3, Policy HNP2, Policy HNP7
The main issues and the deciding factor are read from the published letter by Town Planner Pro; the letter itself is the record. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Research, not advice.