Land to the east of Normanton Road, Edith Weston, LE15 8HD

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the site is an appropriate location for the development having regard to development plan policies and the accessibility of services and facilities
• the effect of the development on the character and appearance of the area
• the effect of the development on designated habitats sites

What decided it

The acute shortfall in five-year housing land supply (approximately three years) and the increase in housing requirements since the development plan was formulated, combined with the rural nature of the county necessitating some greenfield development, reduced the weight afforded to the conflict with development plan policies and tipped the planning balance in favour of allowing the appeal.

The conflict with development plan policies directing larger housing development to more sustainable settlements and protecting the countryside was significant, but this weight was reduced due to the substantial shortfall in five-year housing land supply and increased housing requirements; the provision of 62 homes (including 40% affordable and self-build dwellings), economic and social benefits, and the absence of protected areas or assets providing strong reasons for refusal outweighed the moderate, mitigable harm to character and appearance.