Land off Watmore Lane, Winnersh, Winnersh

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the appeal site is an appropriate location for the proposed development with reference to 1) the spatial strategy for housing in the development plan; 2) permeability and integration with pedestrian and cycle routes; and 3) the accessibility of services and facilities.
• The effect of the proposed development on the landscape character and visual amenity of the countryside
• The effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the area, with particular reference to 1) the settlement pattern and townscape; 2) the legibility of any local street hierarchy and 3) the usability and sense of place of Maidensfield.

What decided it

The Council's inability to demonstrate a four-year housing land supply triggered the paragraph 11(d) tilted balance, and the Inspector concluded the moderate, collective harms did not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the significant benefits of the scheme.

The significant benefits of housing delivery (including affordable housing), economic benefits, biodiversity net gain and open space provision were found not to be significantly and demonstrably outweighed by the moderate harms to the spatial strategy, landscape character and accessibility, so the balance tipped in favour of granting permission under the tilted balance.