The Old Rectory, Gilston Lane, Gilston, CM20 2RF

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the appeal site would be an appropriate location for the proposal, having regard to the Council's spatial strategy, access to services and facilities and the use of sustainable transport
• the effect of the proposal on the provision of agricultural and equestrian facilities within the district
• the effect of the proposal on the integrity of the Hatfield Forest Site of Special Scientific Interest and National Nature Reserve
• the effect of the development on the character and appearance of the area

What decided it

The application of Framework policies protecting Sites of Special Scientific Interest provides a clear reason for refusal under paragraph 11d)(i), displacing the presumption in favour of sustainable development that would otherwise apply due to the Council's inability to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply.

The benefits of one additional dwelling and efficient reuse of an existing building were outweighed by conflicts with the development plan regarding location sustainability, loss of agricultural and equestrian facilities, and unmitigated harm to the integrity of Hatfield Forest SSSI.