Bruford, Painswick Road, , Brockworth, Gloucester, GL3 4RP

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the appeal site is an appropriate location for the proposal having regard to relevant policies relating to new residential development
• the effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the area
• the effect of the proposal on ecology with regard to the Cotswold Beechwood Special Area of Conservation
• the effect of the proposed development on the Cotswold National Landscape
• whether the appeal site is an appropriate location for the proposed development with regard to flood risk, specifically in relation to surface water

What decided it

The significant harm to the Cotswold Beechwoods SAC from increased recreational pressure, combined with harm to character and appearance through poor design, outweighs the moderate benefits of housing delivery and self-build provision, even under the tilted balance.

The moderate benefits of housing provision and self-build delivery, and limited benefits from economic and social factors, were outweighed by significant harm to the irreplaceable SAC habitat and limited weight harm to spatial policies, with the design harm being decisive.