Fairfields Farm Argos Hill, Rotherfield, CROWBOROUGH, TN6 3QH

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the proposed development would be a suitable location for housing having regard to the Council's spatial strategy and access to services and facilities
• the effect on the character and appearance of the area, with particular reference to whether the proposal would conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the High Weald National Landscape
• whether adequate arrangements would be made to safeguard health and public safety, having regard to the alignment of the high pressure gas pipeline
• whether or not the proposed development would make adequate provision for affordable housing

What decided it

The substantial harm to the High Weald National Landscape, which carries great weight under Framework paragraph 182, combined with the failure to demonstrate adequate safety measures for the gas pipeline and lack of secured affordable housing provision, clearly outweighed the modest contribution to housing supply.

The harm to the High Weald National Landscape (great weight), the lack of secured affordable housing provision (significant weight), and the lack of demonstrated public safety measures (significant weight) collectively outweighed the benefit of five additional dwellings, even when reduced weight was ascribed to the conflict with the spatial strategy in light of the housing land supply shortfall.