Paysanne, Godshill Wood, Fordingbridge, SP6 2LR

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• The development's effect on the character and appearance of the surrounding area and landscape, with particular regard to its conservation area location
• The development's effect on the living conditions of neighbouring occupiers

What decided it

Whether the scale, massing and light spillage of the dwelling as built caused unacceptable harm to the conservation area and neighbours' living conditions, or whether the proposed modifications in Appeal B sufficiently reduced those impacts to an acceptable level.

In Appeal A the less-than-substantial harm to the conservation area was not outweighed by any public benefits, only private interests, and although the loss of the appellant's home was a significant consideration under Article 8 the balance was found finely balanced but insufficient to outweigh the identified harm; in Appeal B the modifications ameliorated the existing adverse impacts sufficiently for the scheme to be considered acceptable and permission was granted.