Adderstone House, Spring Lane, Cleeve Hill, CHELTENHAM, Gloucestershire, GL52 3PY

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the proposed dwelling would be in a suitable location having regard to the spatial strategy in the development plan for the distribution of housing
• The effect of the development on the character and appearance of the site and its surroundings with particular reference to its location in the Cotswolds National Landscape
• The suitability of the proposed access arrangements having regard to the safety of users of Spring Lane
• The effect of the proposals on the protected horse chestnut tree

What decided it

The conflict with the Framework's requirement to protect and enhance valued landscapes and conserve the scenic and landscape beauty of the Cotswolds National Landscape provides a strong reason for dismissal under paragraph 11 footnote 8 of the Framework, notwithstanding the Council's inability to demonstrate five years' housing land supply.

The modest benefits of housing delivery, economic benefits during construction, and low energy design were outweighed by the significant harm to the character and appearance of the site and its surroundings, the failure to enhance the Cotswolds National Landscape, the unsuitability of the location under the spatial strategy, and the unsafe access arrangements; the Framework's protection for National Landscapes provided a strong reason for refusal.