Highwood Farm , Stortford Road , Great Dunmow, Essex, CM6 1SJ

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• The effect of the proposed development on the setting of the nearby Grade II Listed Buildings, Highwood Farmhouse and Barn at Highwood Farm
• Whether the proposed development makes adequate provision for affordable housing and would provide a suitable mechanism for securing self-build or custom-build housing

What decided it

The less than substantial harm to the setting of the Grade II Listed Buildings, to which great weight must be given under paragraph 212 of the Framework, outweighs the modest public benefits of housing delivery and economic activity, particularly where the heritage protection policies provide a strong reason for refusal under paragraph 11(d).

The modest public benefits of 14 dwellings, economic benefits, and potential affordable housing contribution were outweighed by the great weight afforded to the less than substantial harm to the setting of Grade II Listed Buildings, with heritage protection policies providing a strong reason for refusal under the tilted balance.