A PLANNING inspector has dismissed an appeal against the decision of the South Downs National Park Authority to refuse an application for the redevelopment of an existing industrial site at Ashdell Farm at Headmoor Lane, Four Marks.

The national park governing body refused the application last July on grounds that there was no genuine proven need for the construction of an open-market dwelling in the countryside.

Furthermore, the development would be located in an unsustainable location outside the settlement policy boundary and would result in an over-reliance on private cars for access and transport purposes.

In addition, it was felt that the use and form of development proposed would be harmful and out of character with the prevailing rural nature of the land, contrary to local planning policy and the South Downs National Park partnership management plan.

Considering the application,inspector Catherine Jack focused on what she considered to be the main issues: whether the proposed development would accord with local policy; its effect on the character and appearance of the area; and impact on the living conditions of neighbouring residents, with particular regard to privacy.

While concluding that there would be no significant harm in relation to neighbours’ living conditions, she did identify harm to the location of the development and to the character and appearance of the national park, and for that reason the appeal was dismissed.