22 DEVON ROAD, WEYMOUTH, DORSET, DT4 0PH

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• the effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area
• the effect of the proposal on the living conditions of the occupiers of number 20 Devon Road in respect of outlook, and whether the proposal would provide adequate living conditions for its future occupiers with regard to outdoor space
• the effect of the proposal on protected species, namely bats
• whether the proposal should make provision for Biodiversity Net Gain

What decided it

The substantial harm to character and appearance, living conditions, and the unresolved issues regarding protected species and biodiversity net gain, combined with the Council's ability to demonstrate five years' housing supply, meant the proposal conflicted with the Development Plan and the material considerations did not indicate a decision other than in accordance with the plan.

The limited positive weight given to housing supply, social and economic contributions, and efficient land use was outweighed by the substantial negative weight attributed to harm to character and appearance, harm to neighbouring living conditions, potential harm to bats, and failure to secure biodiversity net gain.