An inspector decided that the introduction of dwellings, many of them bungalows, along with parking areas and associated paraphernalia together with the loss of existing hedgerows would be visually incongruous, the impact exacerbated by the site’s elevated position. An uncharacteristic cul-de-sac layout would also adversely affect the character of the site and the street scene, compromising the rural setting of the village and damaging the countryside. Since the grade one land also comprised some of the best and most versatile farming land in the district with no restrictions on agricultural use, this was a disbenefit which counted against the scheme. In so concluding the inspector disregarded final contributions towards library services, a play area and impact on the protection of the coast. He could not be sure that these were fairly and reasonably related to the proposal.
Inspector: Cullum Parker; Written representations
Rural character of village eroded by insensitive housing estate
A scheme involving the construction of 20 dwellings on the edge of a village in Kent would unacceptably harm its rural setting and the clear distinction between the built-up area and the countryside.
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