255 West Wycombe Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP12 3AS

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• The effects of the proposed development upon the delivery of a net gain in biodiversity
• The effects of the proposed development upon the living conditions of future residential occupants
• The effects of the proposed development upon the living conditions of existing residential occupants with particular reference to outlook
• The effects of the proposed development upon the character and appearance of the area
• The effects of the proposed development upon suitable access

What decided it

The substantial and long-lasting adverse impacts on biodiversity net gain and future occupants' living conditions, when weighed against the moderate benefits of housing supply in the absence of a five-year supply, are significantly and demonstrably outweighed by the harms and therefore the proposal conflicts with the development plan taken as a whole.

The substantial harm from conflicts with biodiversity and living conditions policies, which are long-lasting, was weighed against the moderate benefits of housing delivery (5 net units), sustainable brownfield reuse, and economic and social benefits; the harms significantly and demonstrably outweighed the benefits, and paragraph 11(d) of the Framework did not indicate the decision should be otherwise than in accordance with the development plan.