A bid to build a high-end house behind a Bromley Cross pub is at an end after a decision by the Planning Inspectorate.

Rigby Property applied for planning permission more than a year ago for a site off Scholars Rise behind the Spread Eagle.

There was a lot of opposition from residents to the bid to build a high-end house as there was to other applications for four houses then two houses on the same site in the last few years. These other applications were withdrawn before consideration by the council.

The latest application was before the council's Planning Committee on September 14 of last year when it was blocked on the basis of its impact on the appearance and character of the Eagley Bank Conservation Area, its Grade-II listed buildings and its Green Belt.

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The decision said: "The proposal would not enhance this site within the Eagley Bank Conservation Area, contrary to core strategy, to the guidance contained within the National Planning Policy Framework and to the guidance contained within the Eagley Bank Conservation Area Appraisal."

Rigby Property appealed to the Planning Inspectorate but, on July 8 of this year, it was blocked for the second time.

The inspector, L C Hughes, disagreed with the council about the impact on the Eagley Bank Conservation Area and its Grade-II listed buildings (Eagley Bridge School House, Bridge Mill, Brook Mill, Valley Mill) but the inspector agreed with the council about the impact on the Green Belt.

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The decision said: "The council cannot demonstrate a five-year supply of housing land. However, [the National Planning Policy Framework] means granting planning permission unless the application of policies in [the National Planning Policy Framework] that protect areas or assets of particular importance provide a clear reason for refusing the development proposed. 

"My findings of Green Belt harm provide a clear reason for refusing the development proposed."

The applicant is not able to appeal against the Planning Inspectorate other than in the High Court.

Any appeals are allowed only on the basis the Planning Inspectorate was wrong according to law.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.