Land at West Street, Great Somerford, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 5EH

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the appeal site is a suitable location for the proposed development, having regard to policies for the delivery of housing
• the effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area, including the Great Somerford Conservation Area and its setting
• whether the proposed development is in an accessible location, having regard to proximity to services and facilities and highway safety

What decided it

The shortfall in housing land supply (3.85 years) engages the tilted balance under paragraph 11(d) of the Framework, and the benefits of two additional homes in an accessible location supporting rural services outweigh the conflict with the development plan policies restricting countryside development.

The conflict with Core Policies 1 and 2 was outweighed by the presumption in favour of sustainable development under paragraph 11(d) of the Framework, given the shortfall in housing supply; the absence of harm to character and appearance and preservation of the conservation area were neutral; the positive aspect of rural homes in an accessible location supporting rural communities and services weighed in favour of the scheme.