6 Stroud Gardens, Christchurch, BH23 3QY

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• the effect of the development on the character and appearance of the local area
• the effect of the development on the living conditions of existing and future occupiers
• whether the development demonstrates compliance with vehicular and cycle parking standards
• the effect of the development on international and nationally designated sites of importance for biodiversity

What decided it

The development failed to demonstrate nutrient neutrality for the River Avon SAC and failed to provide biodiversity net gain or secure mitigation for the Dorset Heathlands designated sites, contrary to the statutory framework and local plan policies, and the biodiversity harm could not be overcome by the housing land supply shortfall due to the habitat site protections in the Framework.

Although the Council cannot demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, the presumption in favour of sustainable development does not apply where the proposal is likely to have a significant effect on a habitats site without an appropriate assessment concluding no adverse effect on integrity; the biodiversity harm and living conditions harm outweighed any housing supply benefit.