Land at The West Lawns, Southwell, Nottinghamshire, NG25 0JW

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• the effect of the development on the character and appearance of the area, including Southwell Conservation Area
• whether the location for the development would be appropriate having regard to local and national policy
• the effect of the development on the living conditions of the neighbouring occupiers of 18 Handford Court, with particular regard to light and outlook

What decided it

The harm to the significance of Southwell Conservation Area, found to be less than substantial but not outweighed by modest public benefits, provided a strong reason for refusal under paragraph 11(d) of the Framework that displaced the presumption in favour of sustainable development despite the Council's inability to demonstrate five-year housing land supply.

The modest public benefits of housing delivery, biodiversity enhancements and the orchard planting did not outweigh the less than substantial harm to the conservation area, to which great weight must be given, and the harm to neighbouring living conditions; the heritage asset protection provided a strong reason for refusal under paragraph 11(d) of the Framework.