Land to the East of Lidl, Christy's Lane, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 8QN

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the proposal is consistent with the objectives of local and national planning policies relating to housing, including provision of, or contributions towards, affordable housing and community infrastructure, having regard to financial viability
• The effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the area, with particular regard to the effect on protected trees
• Whether the proposal would preserve or enhance the historic environment of Shaftesbury, including the settings and significance of nearby listed buildings, non-designated heritage assets and Shaftesbury Conservation Area
• The effect of the proposed development on local highway conditions and highway safety, with particular regard to access, servicing and provision of parking
• Whether the proposed development would provide for a suitable living environment for future residents and the effect on the living conditions of occupiers of nearby properties

What decided it

The Inspector found no harm or conflict with any development plan policy across all the issues considered, meaning the proposal accorded with the development plan as a whole.

the substantial benefits of housing delivery, older persons housing, the maximum viable affordable housing contribution, and efficient reuse of previously developed land were found to weigh in favour of the proposal, and with no identified harm the balance favoured granting permission even under a hypothetical paragraph 11(d) tilted balance