On behalf of Wainhomes, Emery Planning have been successful at appeal in securing outline planning permission for up to 151 no. dwellings at land at Cardwell Farm, Garstang Road, Barton, Preston. The appeal was dealt with by way of a public inquiry, which took place between 9th and 12th February 2021. One of the main issues was whether Preston Council could demonstrate a five year housing land supply with particular regard to the housing need or requirement for Preston. The Inspector agreed with the Appellant that the five year housing land supply should be measured against the adopted housing requirement of 507 dwellings per annum rather than the much lower local housing need figure of 250 dwellings per annum. This was because in accordance with paragraph 73 and footnote 37 of the Framework, the Core Strategy policy had been reviewed and found not to require updating in 2017 and the events after that review had not followed a robust process and did not amount to a further review. On this basis, the Inspector concluded that the Council could not demonstrate a deliverable five year housing land supply and engaged the tilted balance to the presumption in favour of sustainable development. In doing so, the Inspector gave significant weight to the provision of open market and affordable housing and moderate weight to the economic benefits in terms of construction and supply chain jobs and local spend. The Inspector also gave moderate weight to the creation of a community building. In allowing the appeal and granting outline planning permission, the adverse impacts of the development in terms of the conflict with the development plan strategy for the area and effect on the character and appearance of the area did not significantly or demonstrably outweigh the benefits.