Willow Farm, Long Lane, Huxley, CH3 7RG

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the site represents a suitable location for housing, having regard to development plan policies for housing in the open countryside

What decided it

The harm to character and appearance caused by the proposed residential conversion and associated domestic features in the open countryside, combined with the unsustainable location requiring reliance on private cars, significantly and demonstrably outweighed the modest housing benefits even under the tilted balance.

The modest positive contribution to housing supply and economic benefits were given moderate weight, but the significant harm to character and appearance and the requirement to direct development to sustainable locations were given significant weight, resulting in the adverse impacts significantly and demonstrably outweighing the benefits.