Land south of Froxmere Road, Crowle, Worcestershire, WR7 4AU

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the appeal site is a suitable location for the proposed development, with particular regard to the local development strategy
• the effect of the development on the character and appearance of the area
• whether the development would make suitable provision for affordable housing, formal sports and leisure provision, primary health care provision, high school and community transport, and, first school education
• whether material considerations indicate that a decision should be made other than in accordance with the development plan

What decided it

The severe shortfall in housing land supply (2.78 years) triggered significant weight in favour of the scheme's housing and affordable housing contribution, which outweighed the moderate conflict with the development strategy and small character/appearance harm.

The significant weight given to boosting housing supply and delivering affordable housing, together with moderate and limited weight benefits, outweighed the moderate weight attached to conflict with the development plan and the small character and appearance harm, so the presumption in favour of sustainable development applied and the appeal was allowed.