Land off Lodge Road to the East, Tivetshall St Margaret, Norwich, NR15 2DL

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the appeal site is in a suitable location for residential development with reference to the spatial strategy in the development plan
• whether the appeal site is in a suitable location for residential development with regard to the accessibility of services and facilities by sustainable modes of transport
• the effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area
• the effect of the proposal on the integrity of European sites, with particular regard to recreational pressure
• whether there are other considerations that indicate a decision other than in accordance with the development plan

What decided it

The shortfall in five-year housing land supply and the Council's failure to evidence sufficient self-build/custom-build permissions reduced the weight of the spatial strategy conflict such that, under the tilted balance, the adverse impacts did not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits.

The moderate adverse impacts of conflict with the spatial strategy and limited sustainable transport accessibility did not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of housing delivery, self-build provision and socio-economic benefits, so the presumption in favour of sustainable development applied.