Land to the East of Station Road, Oakley, Hampshire

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• the effect of the development on the character and appearance of the area
• the effect of the development on the setting and significance of Church Oakley Conservation Area
• the effect of the development on highway safety and access
• whether the development would promote sustainable transport modes
• whether the development would make adequate provision for community and infrastructure needs arising from the development
• the extent of the shortfall in the Council's 5 year housing land supply
• the overall planning balance having regard to the development plan and national policy

What decided it

The lack of a 5 year housing land supply engaged the NPPF paragraph 11(d) tilted balance, and the significant benefits of housing delivery were not significantly and demonstrably outweighed by the moderate adverse impacts identified.

The adverse impacts, including conflict with LP Policies SS1, SS5, SS6 and NP Policy 1 and less-than-substantial heritage harm, were afforded moderate weight and did not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the significant benefits of housing delivery, affordable housing and economic benefits, so the presumption in favour of sustainable development applied.