Land West of Ravenscroft, Storrington, West Sussex, RH20 4EH

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the application of policies in the Framework that protect areas or assets of particular importance provide a clear reason for refusing the development proposed, or whether any adverse impacts of granting permission would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, when assessed against the policies in the Framework taken as a whole
• The effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the landscape to the south of Storrington and on the setting, landscape and scenic beauty of the South Downs National Park
• The effect of the proposed development on the setting and significance of nearby heritage assets, including the Storrington Conservation Area, St Joseph's Abbey Grade II listed building, and St Mary's Church Grade II* listed building
• The effect of the proposed development on the integrity of the Arun Valley Special Area of Conservation, Special Protection Area and Ramsar sites, with particular reference to water abstraction, taking account of the proposed water neutrality measures
• The benefits which the proposed development may bring, including housing provision and other economic, social and environmental contributions

What decided it

The substantial and significant public benefits of the scheme, particularly market and affordable housing delivery, were found to outweigh the less than substantial heritage harm and the scheme was otherwise found not to cause unacceptable landscape, ecological or other harm.

The substantial weight given to housing and affordable housing delivery, together with significant weight to economic, recreational, allotment and biodiversity benefits, outweighed the less than substantial harm to the settings of the Storrington Conservation Area and St Joseph's Abbey, such that permission was granted under both limbs of paragraph 11(d) of the Framework.