Galleon Cottage Garage, Old Wolverton Road, Wolverton, Milton Keynes, MK12 5SL

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• The effect of the proposals on the setting of designated heritage assets, including the Grade II* listed Church of the Holy Trinity and the Scheduled Ancient Monument encompassing motte and bailey castle, deserted village and monastic grange at Old Wolverton [Appeal A and B]
• The effect of the proposals on the character and appearance of the surrounding area [Appeal A and B]
• The effect of the proposals on the provision of employment sites in the area [Appeal A and B]
• Whether or not sufficient information has been submitted in respect of biodiversity net gain (BNG) to comply with the provisions of local and national policy [Appeal A]
• The effect of the proposed parking arrangement on highway safety [Appeal A]

What decided it

Appeal A turned on the heritage harm to the SAM and listed church (and conflict with settlement strategy) outweighing the scheme's benefits, while Appeal B turned on the substantial weight given to reusing an effectively in-settlement brownfield site outweighing the settlement-strategy conflict.

Appeal A: significant heritage harm, moderate landscape/character harm and significant conflict with housing strategy outweighed the moderate/minor benefits of housing delivery, BNG and economic activity, so the balance tipped against the scheme; Appeal B: substantial weight for reuse of an in-settlement brownfield site plus other minor benefits outweighed the significant weight attached to conflict with the Council's settlement strategy, so the balance tipped in favour of the scheme.