Lushill Farmyard , Castle Eaton, SN6 7TA

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the proposal would be in a suitable location for residential development, with particular regard to the policies in the Swindon Borough Local Plan 2026, adopted 2015 and the National Planning Policy Framework
• the effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the area
• the effect of the proposed development on the North Meadow and Clattinger Farm Special Area of Conservation
• whether there are any other material considerations that may indicate that planning permission should be granted

What decided it

The Council's inability to demonstrate adequate housing land supply, combined with the realistic fallback position of Class Q prior approval generating comparable impacts, meant the presumption in favour of sustainable development under NPPF paragraph 11(d)(i) indicated permission should be granted despite the location conflict.

The significant weight attached to the conflict with development plan policies on location and sustainable transport was outweighed by the valuable contribution to housing supply in circumstances where the Council cannot demonstrate adequate supply, the benefits to non-designated heritage assets, the moderate weight given to enhancement of site appearance, and the significant weight of the fallback position; the adverse impact does not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits.