Major development scheme refused in AONB

Suffolk Coastal District Council’s decision to refuse permission for a 43 unit in the Suffolk Coasts and Heaths AONB on the edge of Aldeburgh has been upheld on appeal.  Inspector Lesley Coffey upheld the Council’s argument that the scheme comprised major development for the purposes of NPPG [172], concluding that the scheme would have an unacceptably adverse impact on the AONB.  The Inspector also upheld the Council’s contention that it had a 5 year supply, before concluding overall that notwithstanding the need for affordable housing in the area there were no exceptional circumstances to justify the grant of permission. Robert Walton acted for Suffolk Coastal DC.