42 Church Lane, Wingfield, Trowbridge, BA14 9LW

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the location of the development accords with policies of the development plan for new residential development
• whether the proposal would be inappropriate development in the Green Belt having regard to the National Planning Policy Framework and relevant development plan policies
• the effects of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area
• whether the proposal would provide an acceptable living environment to future occupiers, with particular regard to privacy
• the effects on the Bath and Bradford-on-Avon Bat Special Area of Conservation (SAC)

What decided it

The Council's inability to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply engaged the tilted balance under NPPF paragraph 11(d), and the modest and localised harms to character and appearance did not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of delivering a self-build dwelling.

The modest and localised harm to character and appearance and the compromised garden privacy did not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of delivering a self-build dwelling in the context of a considerable shortfall in housing land supply, the location within a village with some facilities, more efficient use of land, and minor ecological enhancements.