Lower House Farm, Lower Green Lane, Wimbish, ESSEX, CB10 2XH

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the appeal site provides a suitable location for the development proposed having particular regard to the development plan's spatial strategy and the effects of the development upon the character and appearance of the area
• Whether the appeal site provides a suitable location for the development proposed having particular regard to its accessibility to services, facilities and sustainable transport modes
• Whether the development would preserve the setting of the Grade II listed Garrett Farmhouse
• Whether adequate visibility would be provided for by the proposed site access arrangements

What decided it

The less than substantial harm to the Grade II listed Garrett Farmhouse's setting, combined with conflicts on character and appearance, accessibility, and highway safety, could not be outweighed by the public benefits of a single dwelling, particularly where the Council cannot demonstrate five years' housing supply but heritage protection policies provide a clear reason for refusal.

The public benefits of housing supply, housing choice, economic benefits and biodiversity enhancements were insufficient to outweigh the less than substantial harm to the listed building's setting and the other identified harms to character and appearance, accessibility and highway safety.