Land off Herrison Road, Charlton Down , Dorset, DT2 9XX

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the appeal site represents a suitable location for the proposal, having regard to national and local planning policies, which seek to restrict residential development in the countryside
• The effect of the proposal on the special interest of the Charlton Down Conservation Area, nearby listed buildings and non-designated heritage assets (including nos 1-2, 5 and 6-11 Herrison Road, the earth works of Herrison Deserted Medieval Village and the earth works of the Deserted Settlement near Herrison House)
• The effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area, including the setting of the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

What decided it

The identified harm to the conservation area, non-designated heritage assets, rural character and AONB setting, combined with the unsuitability of the location for residential development contrary to the development plan, significantly outweighed the benefits of housing supply and economic benefits.

The moderate benefits of housing supply and limited economic benefits were significantly outweighed by the less than substantial harm to the Charlton Down Conservation Area, significant harm to non-designated heritage assets, unacceptable harm to rural character and appearance including the setting of the Dorset AONB, and conflict with the adopted strategy for locating residential development.