16 Selborne Avenue, HAVANT, Hampshire, PO9 4PX

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the appeal site is a suitable location for the proposal, having regard to policies concerned with development in areas at risk of flooding
• The effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the area
• The effect of the proposed development on the living conditions of the occupants of 16 Selborne Avenue and 32 Overton Crescent, with reference to outlook, sunlight and privacy, and future occupants with reference to the size and configuration of outdoor amenity space

What decided it

The appellant failed to demonstrate that sequentially preferable sites were not reasonably available and appropriate, thereby failing the sequential test required by Policy CS15 and the Framework, which provides a clear reason for refusal that engages the exception to the tilted balance.

the significant harm arising from flood risk policy non-compliance, character and appearance harm, and living conditions harm outweighed the moderate cumulative benefits of housing delivery and economic support, which did not constitute material considerations indicating the proposal should be determined otherwise than in accordance with the development plan