Bowhill estate, The Drive, Hellingly, East Sussex, BN27 4EP

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• The effect of the proposed development on the habitats and ecology associated with the ancient woodland
• The effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the surrounding area
• The effect of the proposed development on the living conditions of the occupiers of No 10 Bowhill and the future occupiers of the proposed development, with particular regard to privacy and daylight

What decided it

The irreplaceable nature of ancient woodland as a habitat protected by NPPF paragraph 193, combined with the absence of wholly exceptional reasons and a suitable compensation strategy, meant that the presumption in favour of sustainable development did not apply and the harm to the habitat, character and living conditions could not be outweighed by the limited housing and economic benefits of a single dwelling.

The limited benefits of delivering one additional dwelling and associated economic benefits do not outweigh the substantial harm to irreplaceable habitats, the character and appearance of the area, and the living conditions of neighbouring and future occupiers, together with the conflict with the development plan as a whole.