Averys Nursery, Uckfield Road, Ringmer, Lewes, BN8 5RU

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether or not the development plan would support the principle of the development in this location, having regard to the ability to access services and facilities by a range of transport modes
• whether or not the development plan would support the proposed mix of employment land and housing (including affordable housing) on the site
• when examining the overall planning balance, if the proposal would not accord with the development plan when considered as a whole, whether or not material considerations indicate a decision should be made otherwise

What decided it

The Council's inability to demonstrate a five year housing land supply (2.73 years), engaging the paragraph 11(d) tilted balance, combined with the substantial weight afforded to the housing, employment and remediation benefits, which were not significantly and demonstrably outweighed by the identified policy conflicts.

The substantial benefits of housing and employment delivery, affordable housing, brownfield remediation and wider economic benefits outweighed the moderate-to-significant harm from conflict with Policy CP13 and Policy 6.3 of the Ringmer NP, such that adverse impacts did not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits when assessed against the Framework as a whole.