The Rectory The Street, Great Chart, Ashford, TN23 3AY

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• The effect of the proposed dwellings on the character and appearance of the surrounding area with particular regard to Great Chart Conservation Area
• Whether the proposed development would preserve the Grade I listed building known as the Church of St Mary, the Grade II* listed buildings known as Court Lodge and timber framed building (the pest-house) and Grade II listed The Rectory or their setting or any features of special architectural and historic interest (or significance) which they possess, with particular regard to their settings
• The effect of the development on the Stodmarsh Special Protection Area, Special Area of Conservation and Ramsar site

What decided it

The less than substantial harm to the setting of the Grade I Church of St Mary and Grade II* pest-house, and to the conservation area, constitutes a strong reason for refusing the development under paragraph 11(d)(i) of the Framework, which outweighs the housing benefits and other public benefits.

The less than substantial harm to the setting of the conservation area and listed buildings (Church of St Mary Grade I and pest-house Grade II*) was weighed against the public benefits of two dwellings and support for the church community, but the heritage harm could not be outweighed by those benefits, and the protection of designated heritage assets of particular importance provided a strong reason for refusal under the Framework.