Land at Inhurst Cottages, Inhurst Lane, Baughurst, Hampshire, RG26 5JS

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the site is suitable for the development, bearing in mind the settlement policies of the development plan
• The effect of the development on the character and appearance of the area, including any impact on the trees around the boundary of the site
• The effect of the development on public safety, with particular regard to the off-site nuclear emergency planning arrangements for the Aldermaston Atomic Weapons Establishment (the AWE)
• Whether the proposed mix of dwellings would address the local need for housing
• Whether suitable arrangements are in place to ensure that the development would make appropriate provision for affordable housing, biodiversity, and public open space

What decided it

The substantial harm to character and appearance of the area and the adverse effect on public safety through impact on off-site nuclear emergency planning arrangements significantly and demonstrably outweighed the benefits of housing delivery, even under the tilted balance.

The significant benefits of housing provision (moderate weight) and affordable housing (considerable weight), together with limited economic benefits, were significantly and demonstrably outweighed by substantial harm to character and appearance and substantial harm to public safety, when assessed against the Framework taken as a whole.