Rooks Nest Farm 182 High Street, Walkern, SG2 7NS

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the site is a suitable location for development having regard to the locational policies of the development plan
• the effect of the proposal on highway safety
• the effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area including whether it would i) preserve the settings of the nearby listed buildings; ii) preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Walkern Conservation Area and iii) provide suitable protection for trees and hedgerows
• whether the proposal would make appropriate provision for biodiversity net gain

What decided it

The less than substantial harm to the significance of the Grade II* listed Farmhouse and the Walkern Conservation Area, which carries considerable weight and is not outweighed by the moderate public benefits of housing delivery, combined with the locational conflict with the development plan and unresolved highway safety concerns.

The less than substantial heritage harm to the Grade II* listed building and conservation area, given considerable weight, was not outweighed by the moderate public benefit from delivery of seven dwellings and associated economic benefits; the tilted balance under paragraph 11d) did not apply because heritage policies provide a strong reason for refusal.