Former Wood Store, Adlington Hall, Mill Lane, Adlignton, Cheshire East, SK10 4LF

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• The effect of the proposal on the significance of the appeal building as a NDHA, and whether the proposal would preserve the special architectural or historic interest, including settings, of the Grade II* registered Park and Garden known as Adlington Hall, the Grade I listed Adlington Hall (the Hall) and the Grade II listed Gate Piers and Gates to North Approach of Adlington Hall (the North Gates)
• The effect of the proposal on the landscape character of the area
• The effect of the proposal on European Protected Species, namely bats
• Whether the proposal would accord with the Council's development plan strategy for the location of housing, with particular regard to accessibility to services and facilities

What decided it

The cumulative heritage harm to the non-designated and designated heritage assets provided a strong reason for refusal that disapplied the presumption in favour of sustainable development, and this harm was not outweighed by the limited benefits of the scheme.

The limited benefits of the scheme (heritage repair, economic/social gains, footway improvements, housing contribution) were found insufficient to outweigh the totality of harm to designated and non-designated heritage assets, landscape character and protected bats, so the balance tipped against the proposal.