Land Opposite Lower Bentley Royd, Sowerby Bridge, HX6 1EE

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• The effect of the proposed development on a designated wildlife habitat
• The risk of flooding and water resource management
• Protected trees
• Highway safety and pedestrian connectivity

What decided it

The adverse impacts of harm to the Wildlife Habitat Network, flood risk and drainage capacity, and risk to protected trees significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of housing delivery, such that the presumption in favour of sustainable development does not apply.

The benefits of housing delivery and contribution to under-supply were outweighed by the strong adverse impacts on the Wildlife Habitat Network, flood risk and drainage, and protected trees; the presumption in favour of sustainable development did not apply.