Land at Greensted Road, Chipping Ongar, Essex, CM5 9LA

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• the character and appearance of the development and whether or not it would comprise high quality design, including with regard to: a) the density, height, scale and layout of the development having regard to its context; b) the visual effects of provision for parking; c) provision for amenity space and landscaping; and d) effects on the quality of living conditions for future occupiers of the site
• whether or not the proposal would make adequate provision for parking
• whether or not the proposal would provide an appropriate mix of housing types having regard to the requirements of the development plan and any other considerations

What decided it

The overriding harm to character, appearance and design from the density, layout and parking dominance of the scheme, compounded by an unjustified housing mix, outweighed the significant benefits of the proposal.

The significant benefits of housing delivery, affordable housing provision, and flood risk reduction, together with moderate/limited weight benefits, did not outweigh the harm to character, appearance and design and the failure to demonstrate an appropriate housing mix, resulting in conflict with the development plan as a whole.