The inspector concluded that the principle of development was generally in accord with the local plan, taking into consideration the housing policies of the council’s core strategy and other more recent development plan documents. He considered the site to be visually well related to the existing built form and a logical extension to the town, despite being outside the core strategy development boundary.
In his view, a contentious new pedestrian and cycle bridge offered additional sustainability benefits. He concluded that the proposal represented sustainable development in all respects. While accepting that the council could show a five-year housing land supply, he did not see this factor as an impediment to granting permission.
Inspector: Brian Sims; Inquiry
