Beehive Cottage, Portway, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 6BL

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the location of the site is suitable for the proposal, having regard to the local development strategy
• the effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area
• whether the proposal would preserve the Grade II listed building known as Beehive Cottage or its setting or any of the features of special architectural or historic interest that it possesses; and whether it would preserve the setting of the Old Sarum Scheduled Monument
• whether future occupiers of the proposal would be likely to experience acceptable living conditions, with particular reference to privacy and the quantum of outdoor space
• whether the proposal would be likely to have a significant effect on the integrity of the SAC

What decided it

The substantial shortfall in five-year housing land supply (2.42 years) engaged the tilted balance under NPPF paragraph 11d, and the absence of strong reasons to refuse based on heritage assets or ecological grounds meant the modest but important contribution to housing supply outweighed the conflict with the local development strategy.

The adverse impact of granting permission (conflict with policies CP1 and CP2 on location) did not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits: great weight to housing supply contribution, significant weight to phosphate reduction in the SAC, and modest weight to character and appearance enhancement and efficient use of land.