Battle Great Barn, Marley Lane, Battle, East Sussex, TN33 0RB

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the appeal site is an appropriate location for a residential use, with regard to the development strategy and accessibility of facilities and services
• the effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
• the effect of the proposed development on the setting of the Grade II listed Battle Great Barn
• the effect of the proposed development on the living conditions of residents of Windy Ridge, with regard to privacy
• the effect of the use of the proposed access on the safety of pedestrians, cyclist and drivers using Marley Lane

What decided it

The harm to the High Weald AONB and the Grade II listed Battle Great Barn setting, combined with conflict with the development plan's locational strategy, provided clear reasons for refusal that outweighed the benefits of housing provision and sustainability measures.

The less than substantial harm to the setting of the Grade II listed Battle Great Barn and the significant harm to the AONB, together with conflict with the development plan's strategic locational objectives, outweighed the benefits of housing provision, economic benefits from construction, and sustainability measures; the shortfall in housing land supply did not alter this balance.