Land located to the east off Barwell Lane, Kirby Mallory, LE9 7QA

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• the effect on the character and appearance of the countryside
• whether the appeal site would be suitable for the proposed development having regard to the development plan and national planning policy

What decided it

The adverse impacts of harm to countryside character and location in an unsustainable location significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of housing provision and self-build dwellings when assessed against the Framework as a whole.

The modest housing provision (4 market and 3 self-build dwellings) and economic benefits from construction were outweighed by the significant harm to countryside character and the location's unsuitability due to limited services, poor accessibility, and reliance on private transport, resulting in development not directed to a sustainable location.