A proposal for 153 houses in Cornwall has been refused on appeal due to the likely effect on the Grade II* listed church.
The decision notice refers to the historical significance of the building and setting through time:
‘Its significance lies therefore not just in its history and architecture but also in its location on the ridge and its historic role as a focal point in the rural landscape.’ (para 8)
The inspector is also critical of the proposed site layout and design based on the potential effects of on the character of the area:
‘I consider little if anything of its historic rural character and appearance, or evidence of its role within an ancient network of routes would remain readily discernable’ (para 18)
The decision notice balances the ‘less than substantial’ potential harm on the significance of the historic setting with the proposed affordable housing and additional cemetery land, stating:
‘Whilst harm to the significance of the heritage assets would be less than substantial, I consider that this is not outweighed by the benefit of the provision of market and affordable housing, the provision of open space, the opening up of access to the pill box and the marginal potential benefit of the offered cemetery land’ (para 28)
The Appeal reference was APP/D0840/A/14/2221806
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