Gennetts Farm House, Gay Street Lane, North Heath, Pulborough, West Sussex, RH20 2HN

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the proposal would be in a suitable location with respect to the settlement strategy
• the effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the surrounding area
• whether the proposed development would preserve the setting of the Grade II listed building known as Gennetts Farmhouse
• the effect of the proposal on highway safety, with particular reference to access and parking
• the effect of the proposal on the integrity of protected European sites, with particular reference to water neutrality
• the effect of the proposal on protected species and the measures necessary to avoid, mitigate or compensate for any negative effects

What decided it

The proposal conflicts with the development plan taken as a whole on multiple material grounds including settlement strategy, character and appearance, heritage setting, highway safety, water neutrality and protected species, and the presumption in favour of sustainable development is not engaged due to clear reasons for refusal relating to heritage assets and habitat sites.

The less than substantial harm to the significance of Gennetts Farmhouse as a designated heritage asset, to which great weight is attributed, is not outweighed by the moderate weight given to public benefits from housing provision and economic benefits; additionally, the significant weight of harms to settlement strategy, character and appearance, highway safety, biodiversity and protected species together outweigh the benefits of the proposal.