Site of 22 and 24 Southend Road, Hockley, Essex, SS5 4QH

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• The effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the street scene and the surrounding area
• Whether the proposed development would make satisfactory provision for on-site parking
• Whether the proposed development would provide an acceptable living environment for future occupiers of the second floor flat, with particular regard to internal space standards

What decided it

The identified adverse effects of the proposal—significant harm to character and appearance, inadequate parking provision causing neighbour disturbance, and failure to provide acceptable living conditions—significantly and demonstrably outweighed the moderate benefits of housing delivery.

The moderate benefits of providing 5 additional dwellings and supporting local services were significantly outweighed by the significant harm to character and appearance and the significant harm to living conditions of future and neighbouring occupiers, even under the tilted balance triggered by lack of five-year housing land supply.