Land Adj to the Stables, Sutton Hill, Sutton Mandeville, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP3 5ND

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the proposal would represent a suitable location for housing
• the effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area and the landscape and scenic beauty of the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
• the effect on highway safety
• the effect on archaeological remains in the area
• the effect on protected species and other wildlife
• the effect on the integrity of designated nature conservation sites, with respect to nutrient levels

What decided it

The proposal conflicts with the development plan on multiple grounds including settlement strategy, AONB protection, highway safety, archaeology and protected species, and the Framework's tilted balance does not apply due to the presence of AONB and SAC designations which provide clear reasons for refusal.

Although the Council cannot demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, the Framework's presumption in favour of sustainable development does not apply because AONB and SAC designations provide clear reasons for refusal; the limited benefits of a single dwelling and modest economic activity do not outweigh the significant conflicts with the development plan.