In essence, the Inspector confirmed our arguments:
1. The proposed development is unacceptable because it is outside the Settlement Boundary;
2. It would cause harm by creating a pattern of development that does not protect the countryside;
3. There is already a housing land supply in excess of the five years (plus 5%) as required by Government;
4. Although there is a local need for affordable housing this is not sufficient to allow building in the open countryside;
5. A “sustainable” development would not be served by building in the open countryside; and
6. The proposed development conflicts with the emerging Wiltshire Core Strategy.
This particularly tenacious developer should now back off and await the neighbourhood planning process to proceed and allow planning to be led by local people (and their elected representatives).
The Decision text: Widham Farm Appeal Decision Nov 2013.
