2 Victoria Avenue, SHANKLIN, PO37 6PQ

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• The effect of the development on the character and appearance of the surrounding area, having particular regard to the Shanklin Conservation Area
• The effect on the living conditions of the occupiers of 73 High Street and whether the development would provide adequate living conditions for future occupiers of the development, in terms of outlook and privacy

What decided it

The less than substantial harm to the Conservation Area and the harm to living conditions of existing and future occupiers through overlooking and loss of privacy cannot be outweighed by the modest benefits of housing delivery and efficient use of land.

The modest benefits of providing two residential units on previously developed land in a town centre location do not provide clear and convincing justification to outweigh the less than substantial harm to the significance of the Conservation Area as a designated heritage asset and the harm to living conditions of existing and future occupiers.