This is the latest of several schemes submitted over the years by the applicant to develop this piece of land. On every occasion planning permission has been refused by South Norfolk Council. On two occasions the applicant has appealed to the Planning Inspectorate but the appeal has been dismissed.

After visiting the site in March 2017 (as part of the appeal process) the Inspector's report in April 2017 concluded that development should not be allowed for the following key reasons:

1. The appeal site is a long and roughly rectangular area of land, located off Beccles Road. Residential development surrounds the site to the north, east and west, however the site lies outside (but adjacent to) the defined development boundary for Loddon.

2. Due to its length, as well as the presence of a number of trees, vegetation and soft boundaries, I consider that the appeal site forms part of the transition from the surrounding built up areas, into the agricultural landscape beyond. It provides a 'green finger' linking the open into the main settlement, and a visual break between development along Beccles Road. I therefore find that the appeal site makes a positive contribution to the rural character of the area.

3. While the appellant submits that the site is infill and would not represent any encroachment, the loss of this area to development would intensify and consolidate the built form. This would erode the break between the settlement and the rural environs and would have an urbanising effect. I acknowledge that, views of the wider countryside from Beccles Road could be maintained through a sensitive layout, based upon the indicative layout plan. Nonetheless, the character of this open area would be transformed by the introduction of residential development and any retention of longer distance views would not overcome my concern in respect of the rural character.

4. I recognise the benefits of the proposals, related to its accessibility to Loddon and the self-build nature of the development. The issue of brownfield land attracts little weight in favour of the development. However, I have found harm in respect of the character and appearance of the area and to the conservation area. I am also mindful that the Council says that it can demonstrate a significant housing land supply of 16.94 years.

5. Taking all of the above into account, on balance, I do not consider that the development would provide overriding benefits which would justify the development outside of the defined settlement boundary. The development would not therefore accord with DMP Policy 1.3 which seeks to secure sustainable development.

Nothing has changed since this ruling by the Planning Inspectorate 18 months ago. Importantly it does not address any of the issues raised by the Planning Inspectorate.

Passing mention is made by the applicant's agent in respect of the Conservation Area saying that the land is overgrown and "does not contribute positively to the appearance of the Conservation Area". This is because the applicant has systematically and deliberately transformed a green and attractive water meadow that is fed by underground springs (and is still classified as flood plain), into an eyesore. It is now recovering, but only after intervention by South Norfolk Council who insisted the applicant remove the building materials and rubbish accumulated on the land. Left alone, nature will do its work. This Spring and Summer has seen it "fight back" and once again the important "green finger" referred to by the Planning Inspector is making a positive contribution to the rural character of the area.

Since this report by the Planning Inspector another application was submitted in summer 2018 for four homes (subsequently reduced to a single dwelling) and again it was turned down by the parish council and South Norfolk Council with over 25 objections.