Egbury Farm Barns, Egbury Road, St Mary Bourne, SP11 6DL

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the proposed development would be appropriately located having regard to the Council's development plan policies and access to services and facilities
• the effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the area, including whether it would conserve and enhance the landscape and scenic beauty of the North Wessex Downs National Landscape
• the effect of the proposed development on the settings of a nearby listed building and a non-designated heritage asset
• the effect of the proposal on the integrity of European sites, with particular regard to nutrient neutrality
• flood risk with regard to surface water
• whether an appropriate mix of dwellings would be provided
• whether adequate provision would be made for affordable housing

What decided it

The failure to demonstrate that the proposal would not have an adverse effect on the integrity of the Solent and Southampton Water European sites due to nutrient neutrality concerns provided a strong reason for refusal under NPPF paragraph 11d(i) that overrode the housing supply shortfall.

The heritage balance: less than substantial harm to heritage assets was outweighed by the small contribution to housing supply (significant weight), but this was displaced by the nutrient neutrality issue which provided a strong reason for refusal under the tilted balance, preventing the presumption in favour of sustainable development from applying.