Land at Brookfield Farm, Woodhouse Road, Todmorden, OL14 6BL

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether occupiers of the proposed development would have reasonable and safe pedestrian access to local facilities and public transport
• The effect of the proposed access on the safety of drivers of private vehicles and users of the public footpath
• Whether or not adequate arrangements can be made for the disposal of foul and surface water from the site

What decided it

The significant harm arising from poor pedestrian access to local facilities and public transport, combined with unacceptable highway safety impacts and unresolved drainage concerns, substantially and demonstrably outweighed the minimal housing supply contribution and limited personal benefits, such that the presumption in favour of sustainable development did not apply.

The adverse impacts of poor accessibility, highway safety harm and unresolved drainage significantly and demonstrably outweighed the benefits of one additional dwelling, building reuse, and limited personal and economic benefits, such that the presumption in favour of sustainable development did not apply.