Land Between 15 and 17, Beech Way, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 4BW

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the proposed development would be suitably located having regard to relevant development plan policies concerning the distribution of housing
• the effect of the development on the character and appearance of the area
• the effect of the development on the setting of Woodbridge Conservation Area and nearby grade II listed Kingston Hall and Kingston Barn
• the effect of the development on protected and priority species
• the effect of the development on the living conditions of the occupiers of properties on Birch Close with regard to outlook

What decided it

The proposal conflicts with the development plan as a whole, particularly in relation to location outside the settlement boundary, harm to landscape character and the rural setting of listed buildings, and inadequate protection for protected species, with no material considerations indicating a decision should be taken other than in accordance with the development plan.

The modest public benefits of 5 dwellings in a context where the Council has a 5-year housing land supply would not outweigh the great weight to be given to the conservation of heritage assets and the harm to landscape character.