Oddfellows Arms, 25 Main Street, Higham-On-The-Hill, Leicestershire, CV13 6AE

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• The effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the surrounding area, with particular regard to the impact on the significance of the Oddfellows Arms as a non-designated heritage asset, nearby listed buildings, and whether it would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Higham on-the-Hill Conservation Area
• Whether the proposal provides adequate justification for the loss of the public house, with particular regard to the loss of an Asset of Community Value (ACV)
• Whether the proposal would provide acceptable living conditions for future occupants, with regard to Plot 1 and outlook

What decided it

The great weight attributed to less than substantial harm to heritage assets (the NDHA, the setting of the listed church, and the Conservation Area) was not outweighed by the public benefits, and this harm provided a strong reason for refusal under footnote 7 to paragraph 11(d), disapplying the tilted balance.

The significant/great weight given to heritage harm to the NDHA, listed church setting and Conservation Area outweighed the benefits of housing delivery, brownfield use, economic and social contributions and heritage-related renovation benefits.