Consent has just been granted by the Secretary of State for 150 houses at Long Melford Sussex, promoted by Gladman Developments. FPCR provided the masterplanning, ecology, arboricultural and landscape advise. Gary Holliday gave the landscape and visual evidence at the appeal, which considered whether the site formed part of a “valued Landscape”. The site is also located within the area covered by the “Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and Stour Valley Management Plan” although the site itself is not in the AONB. The inspector provided a careful analysis of how to consider this Management Plan, and the weight to be attached to it outside of the AONB. At the time of the decision, the Secretary of State considered there to be a 5.67 years supply of housing. The full decision letter can be read here.