The Lodge, 2a Burton Road, Poole, Dorset, BH13 6DU

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether each of the proposed schemes A, B and C would preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the Brankstone Park & Chine Gardens Conservation Area
• Whether each scheme A, B and C would create satisfactory living conditions for future occupiers with particular regard to access to daylight and sunlight
• The effect of the proposal on the integrity of the Dorset Heathlands Special Protection Area
• The effect of the proposed development on the Poole Harbour SPA
• Whether the proposal would comply with either the Self-Build requirements or exemption of the Biodiversity Gain Requirements Regulations [2024] or would deliver the required Biodiversity Gain

What decided it

The less than substantial but significant harm to the heritage significance of the conservation area, to which great weight must be applied, was not outweighed by the moderate public benefits of housing delivery in a context of housing land supply shortfall.

The moderate weight of public benefits (housing delivery in context of 2.1-year supply shortfall, construction jobs, local investment, energy efficiency) did not outweigh the great weight applied to less than substantial harm to the heritage significance of the conservation area, and the heritage asset protection provided a strong reason for refusal under paragraph 11(d) of the Framework.