Church Elms Farm, Redbrook Street, Woodchurch, Kent, TN26 3QR

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the appeal site represents a suitable location for the proposed development
• the effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the area
• the effect of the proposed development on heritage assets, having particular regard to the desirability of preserving the setting of a Grade II listed building, known as 'Elms Farmhouse'

What decided it

The failure to preserve the setting of the Grade II listed building Elms Farmhouse, combined with the loss of a non-designated heritage asset and the unsuitability of the location for residential development, provides a strong reason for refusal that outweighs the limited housing and economic benefits.

The limited social and economic benefits of providing one new dwelling and short-term construction employment were outweighed by the failure to preserve the setting of a Grade II listed building, the loss of a non-designated heritage asset, the unsuitability of the location for residential development, and harm to character and appearance, with heritage protections providing a strong reason for refusal.