11 Rowe Ashe Way, Locks Heath, Southampton, SO31 7EY

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• The effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area
• Whether there is sufficient information to assess the potential impact of the proposal on protected species or habitats and on-site biodiversity
• Whether the proposal would provide for adequate on-site car parking provision, having regard to the transport needs of the development, and the effect of any lack of provision on highway safety and the living conditions of the occupiers of neighbouring properties
• The effect of the proposal on the integrity of the Solent and New Forest EPS

What decided it

The significant harm to the character and appearance of the area, arising from the incongruous siting, cramped layout, and loss of mature trees forming a verdant focal point, would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the modest housing supply and economic benefits.

The modest contribution to housing supply and economic benefits of construction and occupation were significantly and demonstrably outweighed by the significant harm to character and appearance and the failure to achieve the social objective of sustainable development in fostering well-designed places.