Following a public inquiry, an Inspector has refused an outline scheme for 120 dwellings in open countryside adjacent to the boundary of the village of Gretton near Corby, Northamptonshire. Although the Inspector found that the Council could not demonstrate a 5yr HLS and a number of benefits would be delivered by the proposals, he concluded that the adverse impacts of granting permission would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, when assessed against the policies in the Framework, taken as a whole. Those adverse impacts were in conflict with the locational polices of the recently adopted development plan and harm to the character and appearance of the area. The Appeal decision may be viewed here. Stephen Morgan acted for Corby City Council, instructed by Robert Bruce of Freeths LLP.