Oak Cottage Winchester Road, Botley, Southampton, SO32 2DH

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the site represents a suitable location for residential development
• the effect on the character and appearance of the area and whether the layout would meet development plan policies
• whether the proposed layout would result in appropriate living conditions for the future occupiers in terms of dwelling and garden sizes, including whether gardens would be overshadowed, privacy, noise and odour
• whether the proposal makes appropriate provision for accessible linkages to facilities
• whether the proposed development can be appropriately drained in respect of both foul and surface water
• whether the proposal makes appropriate provision for public open space
• whether the proposal makes appropriate provision for affordable housing and infrastructure
• the effect on habitats sites

What decided it

The cumulative harm from poor layout and design, unacceptable living conditions for three dwellings, inadequate pedestrian connectivity, and insufficient surface water drainage information outweighed the significant benefits of housing delivery and affordable housing provision.

The significant benefits of 31 dwellings with 11 affordable units were outweighed by overall harm to character and appearance, unacceptable living conditions for occupiers of three dwellings, inadequate linkages to public rights of way and facilities, insufficient surface water drainage information, and failure to create a high quality, beautiful and sustainable place.