Inspector rules bespoke home would harm the setting of listed buildings in the countryside

We were pleased to be informed of the dismissal of an appeal for a new dwelling within the countryside and setting of a listed building in Storrington.  Murphy Associates provided consultee comments in respect of the initial submission expressing the opinion that harm would be caused to the setting of the designated heritage asset.  

The main issues are: the effect of the development on the character and appearance of the area and the settings of the nearby grade II listed buildings, St Joseph’s Hall (the Hall) and the pair of cottages at St Joseph’s Hall (the Cottages); and whether the site would be a suitable location for a house, having regard to local and national planning policy concerning development within the countryside.

The Inspector concurred with this view and duly dismissed the proposal stating that:

"I consider that while there would be significant harm to the setting of the Hall and the Cottages, overall the harm to the listed buildings would be less that substantial, given that the development would involve no works to the listed buildings’ physical fabric.

That being said I consider that there would be no public benefits to the listed buildings weighing in favour of this development. The absence of substantial harm to the listed buildings, in the Framework’s terms, however, does not usurp the statutory duty to have special regard to the desirability of preserving the setting of these listed buildings."

The decision can be viewed at:https://public-access.horsham.gov.uk/public-access/simpleSearchResults.do?action=firstPage