Hunts Hall Colne Road, Pebmarsh, HALSTEAD, CO9 2QE

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the proposal would represent a suitable location for development, having regard to relevant development plan policies and the accessibility of the site to services and facilities
• the effect on the character and appearance of the area
• the effect on the setting of a listed building
• whether the proposal would provide suitable sustainability and resource efficiency measures

What decided it

The identified harm arising from conflict with the spatial strategy, poor accessibility by sustainable transport, adverse effects on character and appearance, and failure to address climate change represent decisive considerations that significantly and demonstrably outweigh the identified benefits of the proposal when assessed against the Framework as a whole.

The adverse effects of conflict with spatial strategy, poor accessibility, harm to character and appearance, and failure to demonstrate climate change measures significantly and demonstrably outweighed the limited social and economic benefits of delivering one additional dwelling, even in the context of the Council's housing supply position, such that the presumption in favour of sustainable development did not apply.