Heatherfield Stables, Redbridge Road, Crossways, DT2 8DY

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether or not the site is suitable for the development having regard to the development plan's spatial strategy for the supply of housing, with reference to the accessibility of services and facilities
• the effect of the development on the integrity of the Poole Harbour Special Protection Area (the SPA) with reference to nitrates
• other considerations which may weigh in favour of or against the development, with reference to: whether or not the Council can demonstrate a five-year supply of deliverable housing sites; the emerging Purbeck Local Plan; and, the personal circumstances of the appellant, with reference to the Public Sector Equalities Duty (the PSED) and the Human Rights Act 1998 (the HRA)

What decided it

The adverse effect on the integrity of the Poole Harbour SPA from nitrates, which had to be given substantial weight under the Habitats Regulations, outweighed all other considerations including the appellant's personal circumstances.

The substantial weight attributed to harm to the integrity of the Poole Harbour SPA outweighed the limited weight of the spatial strategy conflict, the modest housing supply shortfall, the emerging local plan benefits, and the substantial weight given to the appellant's personal circumstances under the HRA and PSED.