Jubilee House, Fore Street, Pensilva, Liskeard, Cornwall, PL14 5QJ

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the proposed development would be acceptable having regard to local and national planning policies on the location of new housing
• the effect of the development on the character and appearance of the area
• the effect of the development on the World Heritage Site
• whether the proposal has adequately considered the implications for trees and habitats

What decided it

The proposal's location in open countryside outside the settlement boundary, combined with significant harm to character and appearance and the World Heritage Site, means the adverse impacts significantly and demonstrably outweigh the moderate benefits of housing delivery, such that the presumption in favour of sustainable development does not apply.

The moderate benefits of three residential units and short-term construction employment were outweighed by significant harm to character and appearance, conflict with up-to-date development plan policies, less than substantial harm to the World Heritage Site, and unresolved concerns about trees and habitats, resulting in dismissal despite the Council's inability to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply.