Land at Southview Terrace, Henfield, West Sussex, BN5 9ES

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• The effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the area, including on the significance of the nearby Henfield Conservation Area, a designated heritage asset, through development within its setting
• Whether or not the appeal site is an appropriate location for the proposed dwelling having regard to the development plan policies relating to development outside built-up area boundaries
• The effect of the proposed development on ecology and protected species and whether or not it would contribute to the enhancement of existing biodiversity

What decided it

The unacceptable harm to the character and appearance of the area and the significance of the Henfield Conservation Area through development within its setting, combined with the failure to demonstrate that protected species would not be adversely affected, outweighed the modest benefits of housing delivery and self-build provision under a normal planning balance.

The harm to the conservation area's setting, the inappropriate location outside the built-up area boundary, and the unresolved ecology concerns (afforded great weight, moderate weight and significant weight respectively) clearly outweighed the moderate weight afforded to housing supply benefits, self-build provision and economic benefits.