Land Between Addingtons Road And New Road, Great Barford, Bedfordshire, MK44 3JN

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the proposed development would accord with the Council's spatial strategy
• The effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the area
• Whether adequate provision would be made for affordable housing on the site
• Whether the site represents a sustainable location in terms of access to local services and facilities
• Whether the proposed development would provide a safe environment in terms of the effects on the local highway network and for pedestrian and cyclist safety

What decided it

The failure of the submitted unilateral undertaking to secure a policy-compliant level of affordable housing, combined with conflict with the spatial strategy and moderate harm to character and appearance, meant the adverse impacts significantly and demonstrably outweighed the benefits of housing delivery.

The significant benefit of delivering up to 180 homes and moderate economic benefits were outweighed by conflict with spatial strategy policies (afforded moderate weight due to housing supply shortfall), moderate harm to character and appearance, less than substantial heritage harm to designated assets, and the failure to secure enforceable policy-compliant affordable housing provision.