Matfield House The Green, Matfield, TONBRIDGE, TN12 7JT

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the proposal makes suitable provision for safe and suitable pedestrian access
• whether the proposal would conserve and enhance the landscape, scenic and natural beauty of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and National Landscape
• whether the proposal makes suitable provision for affordable housing and towards infrastructure and service provision
• whether the proposal would preserve the setting of two Grade I listed buildings, known as 'Matfield House' and 'Stable Block Immediately North East Of Matfield House', the Grade II* listed building known as 'Coach House About 40 Metres North East Of Matfield House', and the Grade II listed building known as 'Oasthouse About 100 Metres North Of Matfield House'; the extent to which it would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Matfield Conservation Area

What decided it

The harm to the settings of the Grade I and Grade II* listed buildings and the Grade II Oasthouse, to which great weight must be given under Framework paragraphs 205 and 206, was not outweighed by the public benefits of housing delivery and affordable housing provision.

The significant public benefits of housing delivery (including 40% affordable housing exceeding policy), economic benefits, and moderate environmental benefits from biodiversity net gain were outweighed by the great weight to be afforded to the conservation of the settings of Grade I listed buildings (Matfield House and Stable Block), the Grade II* Coach House, and the Grade II Oasthouse, and the significant harm to the High Weald AONB/National Landscape.