• Economic Benefits: The economic benefits of the proposed development, such as job creation, increased local spending, and contributions to local infrastructure, can be significant factors in the decision-making process.

• Social Benefits: The provision of housing, particularly affordable housing, and the support of local services and facilities can be crucial considerations.

• Environmental Benefits: Enhancements to biodiversity, sustainable drainage systems, and the overall environmental sustainability of the development can be key factors.

• High-Quality Design: Developments that are of high architectural and design quality and that contribute positively to the character of the area may be approved.

• Sustainability: Proposals that include sustainable building practices, renewable energy sources, and other green technologies can be viewed favourably.

• Local Needs: In some cases, developments may be approved if they meet specific local needs, such as housing for agricultural workers or the provision of community facilities.

• Community Support: Demonstrated support from the local community can also be a factor, particularly if the development addresses specific local issues or needs.

• Presumption in Favour of Sustainable Development: According to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), there is a presumption in favour of sustainable development. This means that planning permission should be granted unless the adverse impacts of doing so would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits when assessed against the policies in the NPPF as a whole.

• Lack of Five-Year Housing Land Supply: If a local authority cannot demonstrate a five-year supply of deliverable housing sites, the policies in the Local Development Plan that are most relevant to housing supply are considered out-of-date. In such cases, the presumption in favour of sustainable development is particularly relevant.

• Appeal Decisions: Previous planning appeal decisions can set precedents that influence future decisions, particularly if the circumstances are similar.

• Precedents: Approval of similar applications in the area or under similar circumstances can also play a role.

Isolated Homes in the Countryside: Paragraph 79 of the NPPF allows for the approval of isolated homes in the countryside under certain circumstances, such as if the development would:

• Represent the optimal viable use of a heritage asset.
• Re-use redundant or disused buildings and enhance their immediate setting.
• Be of exceptional quality or innovative design.