Brook House Farm, Hay Lane, Shernal Green, Worcestershire, WR9 7JS

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the appeal site is a suitable location for the proposed development having regard to local and national policy
• the effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the surrounding area
• the effect of the proposed development on the living conditions of future occupants with particular reference to daylight, sunlight, outlook, privacy and private amenity space
• whether the proposed development makes adequate provision for any additional need for affordable housing arising from the development

What decided it

The appeal site's location in open countryside beyond any settlement boundary, combined with unacceptable harm to character and appearance and living conditions of future occupants, and failure to secure an adequate affordable housing contribution, means the proposal conflicts with the development plan and the modest benefits do not outweigh the identified harms.

The modest benefits of affordable housing delivery in a district with a shortfall in housing land supply and limited tourism contribution were not sufficient to outweigh the harm to character and appearance, living conditions of future occupants, unsuitability of location, and failure to secure affordable housing contributions; the adverse impacts significantly and demonstrably outweighed the benefits.