2 Greenacres Farm West Chiltington Lane, BILLINGSHURST, RH14 9DR

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• the effect, if any, on the character and appearance of the area
• whether the development(s) would have an adverse effect on protected species and their habitats
• whether the new access causes harm to the function and safety of the highways network
• whether the measures for disposal of foul and surface water at the site are adequate

What decided it

The cumulative harm to rural character and appearance (reinforced by the extensive rear hard surface) and harm to protected species tipped the paragraph 11(d) balance against permission for the full development, but excluding the rear hard surface shifted the balance in favour of permission for the remainder.

Under the paragraph 11(d)/PPTS para 28 balance, the adverse impacts of the full development (landscape/character harm and harm to protected species) significantly and demonstrably outweighed the benefits to the appellant's family; once the harmful rear hard surface was excluded, the adverse impacts no longer significantly and demonstrably outweighed the benefits, so permission was granted for the remainder.