"We think right now it's at a tipping point where the housing values will drastically decrease and it will become a very blighted area, " says Payne.

NPR: An Achilles' Heel In Charlotte's Housing Market

He said he thought the road widening was important as it would bring jobs to an area blighted by high unemployment.

BBC: A465 at Rhymney

Judge Thornton said however, that in an area blighted by low wages and high property prices, Cornwall Council was entitled to put little weight on a policy which "was not considered fit for purpose any more".

BBC: Lanner Parish Council loses judicial review on housing