Land off Mill Lane, Keelby, Grimsby, DN41 8HB

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the site is a suitable location for housing, with particular regard to the local development plan spatial strategy
• The effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the area, with particular regard to local policies relating to Important Open Space and landscape
• Whether the proposed development would preserve the settings of nearby listed buildings or any features of special architectural or historic interest which they may possess
• The effect of the proposed development on great crested newts (GCN)
• Whether any harm identified, including conflict with the development plan, would be outweighed by other material planning considerations

What decided it

The site's location outside the settlement's developed footprint and the resulting conflict with the development plan's spatial strategy for directing growth in large villages outweighed the benefits of the scheme.

The significant weight attributed to the conflict with the development plan's spatial strategy for large villages was found to outweigh the significant and other benefits of the scheme (including affordable housing, allotment land transfer, BNG and sustainability benefits), tipping the balance against the proposal.