Land south of Leece Lane, Barrow in Furness, LA13 0HG

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the design of the proposed development is acceptable and its effect on the character and appearance of the area
• whether the affordable housing is suitable to meet needs, whether its design is acceptable and whether future occupiers would have adequate living conditions having regard to noise and disturbance and outlook
• whether the car parking and cycle parking arrangements are adequate
• whether the proposal demonstrates a net gain in biodiversity
• whether the proposal provides suitable open space including play space
• whether the proposed drainage design is acceptable
• whether the proposed green infrastructure is acceptable
• whether the proposal meets requirements for energy efficiency and designing out crime
• whether the proposal meets local housing need

What decided it

The cumulative harm from poor design and character/appearance impact, inadequate living conditions for affordable housing occupiers, and biodiversity net loss significantly and demonstrably outweighed the benefits even under the tilted balance.

The adverse impacts of granting permission (poor design/character harm, inadequate affordable housing living conditions, biodiversity net loss, inadequate play space, drainage uncertainty) were found to significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits (housing and affordable housing delivery, economic benefits, financial contributions) even applying the tilted balance under paragraph 11(d)(ii).